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Event Venue Maps: Markers, Directions and Parking

Help attendees find your event on Seaty: add interactive maps with custom markers for entrances, parking, and facilities, plus Street View support.

Overview

Running a successful event means making sure attendees can find you. The Map section of the Event Editor helps you create interactive venue maps with precise location markers for entrances, parking, facilities, and more.

At its simplest, the map answers one question: Where exactly do I need to go?

Who uses this: Event administrators with event editing permissions.

Key capabilities:

  • Display an interactive map on your event page
  • Add location markers by clicking directly on the map
  • Choose from 11 marker types or upload custom images
  • Create markers from Street View photos
  • Search for locations by name or address
  • Control whether default points of interest appear
  • Position and zoom the map to show the perfect view for attendees

How It Works

At a glance: Map setup follows a simple journey from enabling the map to adding markers that guide attendees.

1. Enable the map

Start by enabling the map in your event editor. Once enabled, you see an interactive map with a location search bar. The map automatically centres on your venue address if you've configured one in Venue Setup.

2. Position the map view

Drag the map and adjust the zoom to create the view attendees will see. Show your venue clearly with enough surrounding context for attendees to orient themselves. Your position and zoom save automatically.

3. Add markers where they matter

Click anywhere on the map to add a marker. When you zoom in close enough, a grid of small squares appears, letting you place markers with pinpoint accuracy. Click a square, choose a marker type, and give it a name. Each marker appears on the map with a label.

4. Refine your markers

Expand any marker in the list below the map to edit its name, description, or icon. Jump to a marker's location to verify its placement. Delete markers you no longer need.

5. Preview and publish

The map appears on your public event page exactly as you've configured it. Attendees can view markers, read descriptions, and get directions by tapping any marker.

Think of it this way:

  • Venue Setup provides your address and written directions
  • Venue Maps provides visual, interactive wayfinding
  • Markers pinpoint specific locations with precision

Enabling the Map

Show a Map on Your Event

Map section with the map toggle disabledMap section with the map toggle disabled

Toggle: "Yes, show a map" / "No, don't show a map"

Controls whether a map appears on your public event page.

When to enable:

  • In-person events at physical venues
  • Events where location wayfinding is important
  • When you want to highlight parking or multiple entrances

When to disable:

  • Online-only events
  • Events at well-known landmark venues
  • When venue location is intentionally private until booking

Finding and Positioning Your Venue

Map enabled with search bar and interactive mapMap enabled with search bar and interactive map

Use the search bar above the map to find any location. Start typing an address, venue name, or postcode and select from the suggestions. The map centres on your selection at a suitable zoom level.

Searching for a venue by name with autocomplete suggestionsSearching for a venue by name with autocomplete suggestions

Map Navigation

Positioning the map:

  1. Click and drag the map to reposition the centre
  2. Use the zoom controls (+/-) or mouse wheel to adjust detail level
  3. Position the map to show your venue and surrounding context

Your position and zoom save automatically as you adjust the map. This is exactly how attendees will see it on your event page.

Zoom level tips:

  • Street level: Shows building layout, useful for large venues
  • Neighbourhood level: Shows street context and nearby landmarks
  • Area level: Shows wider context, useful for multiple parking locations

Tips for good positioning:

  • Show nearby landmarks to help attendees recognise the area
  • Include public transport stations if attendees will use them
  • Ensure all your markers are visible at the default zoom

Adding Markers

The Precision Grid

When you zoom in close enough, the map displays a grid of small squares. Each square represents a precise 3-metre area with a unique address. The grid ensures your markers are placed exactly where you intend.

On desktop: Squares highlight as you hover over them.

On touch devices: Tap anywhere on the map to select a location.

Creating a Marker

  1. Zoom in until the grid appears
  2. Click the square where you want to place a marker
  3. Click "Add marker" in the popup
  4. Choose a marker type from the icon options
  5. Enter a name for the marker (defaults to the marker type)
  6. Click "Confirm"
Clicking a grid square shows the Add marker popupClicking a grid square shows the Add marker popup
Choosing from the available marker typesChoosing from the available marker types
Entering a name for the marker before confirmingEntering a name for the marker before confirming

The marker appears on the map with a label showing its name.

Markers placed on the map with labelsMarkers placed on the map with labels

Marker Types

Choose the icon that best represents each location:

TypeIconCommon Uses
MarkerGeneric pinGeneral locations, meeting points
ParkingCar symbolCar parks, drop-off points
Box OfficeTicket symbolTicket collection, will call
EntranceDoor arrow inMain entrance, stage door, specific entry points
ExitDoor arrow outEmergency exits, designated exit routes
BarGlass symbolLicensed bars, beverage areas
FoodCutlery symbolCafés, concessions, food stalls
Ice CreamCone symbolIce cream vendors, dessert kiosks
Info"i" symbolInformation desks, help points
Red CrossCross symbolFirst aid stations, medical facilities
RestaurantPlate symbolFull-service dining, restaurants
CustomImage uploadAny location with your own photo (see Custom Markers below)

Custom Markers

Instead of a standard icon, you can upload your own image to use as a marker.

To create a custom marker:

  1. Click a grid square and click "Add marker"
  2. Select "Custom" from the icon options — a dialog opens
  3. Enter a name for the marker
  4. Click "Add image" and select a photo
  5. Crop the image to fit the circular marker
  6. Click "Create marker"

Custom markers display as circular images on the map. Use photos of buildings, entrances, or landmarks to help attendees identify locations visually.

Best practices for custom marker images:

  • Use clear, recognisable photos
  • Ensure the subject is centred (the image is cropped to a circle)
  • Consider how the image looks at small sizes on mobile

Street View Markers

Create markers directly from Street View to show attendees exactly what a location looks like from ground level.

Creating a Marker from Street View

  1. Click the person icon in the bottom-right corner of the map
  2. Drag the person onto a highlighted street
  3. Navigate to the view you want to capture
  4. Click the "Create marker" button at the bottom of the screen
  5. Crop the image as needed
  6. Enter a name for the marker (required)
  7. Optionally add a description
  8. Click "Create marker"
Street View with the Create marker button at the bottomStreet View with the Create marker button at the bottom

The marker uses your cropped Street View image as its icon.

Street View Marker Features

Markers created from Street View include:

  • The captured image as the marker icon
  • A button to reopen the exact view when clicked
  • Your name and description from the creation dialog

This is particularly useful for:

  • Showing specific entrances or doors
  • Helping attendees recognise signage or building features
  • Capturing views that are difficult to describe in text
Street view marker options dialogStreet view marker options dialog
Street view marker on the google maps gridStreet view marker on the google maps grid

Managing Markers

The Marker List

Below the map, you see a list of all markers you've added. Each entry shows:

  • The marker icon or custom image
  • The marker name
  • The precise location address

Editing a Marker

Marker list with an expanded marker showing name, description, and icon optionsMarker list with an expanded marker showing name, description, and icon options

Click the expand arrow on any marker to see its details:

  1. Name: Edit the display label (maximum 200 characters)
  2. Description: Add helpful details for attendees (maximum 200 characters)
  3. Icon: For standard markers, click a different icon to change it

Changes save automatically as you make them.

Jumping to a Marker

Click the crosshair button to centre the map on that marker's location. This is useful for verifying marker placement without scrolling.

Deleting a Marker

Click the delete button (bin icon) to remove a marker. The marker is removed from both the list and the map immediately.

Switching Marker Types

From standard to custom: You cannot convert a standard icon marker to a custom image marker. Create a new custom marker and delete the old one.

From custom to standard: Expand the custom marker and click "Switch to standard icons" to use a standard icon instead.

Map Options

Hiding Default Markers

Map options toggle and marker list below the mapMap options toggle and marker list below the map

Toggle: "Yes, hide Google markers" / "No, show Google markers"

Controls whether default points of interest (restaurants, shops, stations) appear on your map.

When to hide them:

  • You want a cleaner map focused on your markers
  • Default labels overlap with your markers
  • You want attendees to focus on your specific locations

When to show them:

  • Attendees might use nearby facilities
  • Public transport stations help with journey planning
  • Surrounding context helps attendees orient themselves

Best Practices

Essential Markers to Consider

For most venues:

  1. Main Entrance: Where attendees should arrive
  2. Parking: Primary car park location

For larger venues:

  1. Alternative Entrance: Stage door or second entrance
  2. Accessible Entrance: Level access or lift access point
  3. Box Office: Ticket collection if separate from entrance

For complex sites:

  1. Exit: Meeting points or emergency exits
  2. Info: Information or help desk location
  3. Facilities: Bars, food areas if in separate buildings

Writing Effective Marker Descriptions

Good descriptions:

  • "Wheelchair accessible entrance with level access"
  • "Free parking for 50 cars. Enter from Church Street."
  • "Box office opens 1 hour before performance"
  • "Blue Badge parking spaces available - show permit"

Poor descriptions:

  • "Entrance" (too vague)
  • "Park here" (lacks useful detail)
  • "Office" (unclear purpose)

Tips:

  • Include access information (steps, level, automatic doors)
  • Mention capacity or availability (parking spaces, opening times)
  • Note any restrictions or requirements
  • Keep descriptions concise for mobile readability

Map Positioning Strategy

Centre the map to show:

  • Your venue as the primary focus
  • Nearby landmarks attendees might recognise
  • Major roads or transport links
  • Any off-site parking you've highlighted with markers

Zoom level considerations:

  • Too close: Attendees lose context of surrounding area
  • Too far: Venue becomes hard to locate precisely
  • Sweet spot: Venue clear, plus 2-3 streets of context

Testing Your Map

Before publishing:

  1. View on mobile: Most attendees will view maps on phones
  2. Click each marker: Verify names and descriptions display correctly
  3. Check marker positions: Confirm markers are in the right locations
  4. Verify zoom level: Ensure map shows useful context at default zoom
  5. Ask someone unfamiliar: Would they know where to go?

How Attendees Use the Map

Typical Mobile Journey

  1. Attendee views your event page on their phone
  2. They see the map with your markers
  3. They tap a marker to see its name and description
  4. They tap again to open directions in their maps app
  5. Their maps app provides turn-by-turn navigation

How maps work on mobile:

  • Tap markers to get directions
  • Open in your preferred maps app
  • Get turn-by-turn navigation from your current location

To enhance mobile experience:

  • Add markers for locations that need navigation (entrances, parking)
  • Use clear, unambiguous names
  • Test marker accuracy by navigating to them yourself

Accessibility Considerations

Wayfinding for All

Include markers for:

  • Accessible entrances: Level access, no steps, automatic doors
  • Accessible parking: Blue Badge spaces, drop-off points
  • Step-free routes: Alternative paths avoiding stairs
  • Accessible facilities: Accessible toilets, lifts

In marker descriptions, note:

  • "Level access, automatic doors"
  • "6 Blue Badge spaces available"
  • "Lift access to all floors"
  • "Accessible toilet on ground floor"

Complementing Maps with Text

Maps provide visual wayfinding, but some attendees may prefer or need text-based directions. Use both:

  • Maps: For visual learners and mobile navigation
  • Written directions (Venue Setup): For detailed instructions
  • Landmark-based guidance: "Opposite the town hall"

Common Questions

Do I need to add markers?

No. You can enable the map without adding markers. The basic map showing your venue location is often sufficient for simple venues with straightforward access.

How many markers should I add?

Focus on 3-8 markers covering the most important locations. Too many markers clutter the map and overwhelm attendees.

Can attendees navigate to my venue from the map?

Yes. When attendees tap a marker, they can open it in their maps app, which provides turn-by-turn navigation from their current location.

What if my venue address doesn't appear on the map?

This is common for new venues, private spaces, or rural locations. Use the search bar to find a nearby landmark, then position the map manually. Add markers to show the exact venue location.

Can I change marker locations after adding them?

You cannot move an existing marker. Delete the marker and create a new one in the correct location.

What happens if I enter Street View?

Drag the person icon onto a highlighted street to enter Street View. From Street View, you can:

  • Look around by clicking and dragging
  • Move along streets by clicking arrows
  • Create a marker capturing the current view
  • Exit by clicking the back arrow or pressing Escape

Will the map work for international events?

Yes. The map works globally. The system is designed for UK events but functions anywhere.

Can I hide the map after tickets are sold?

Yes. You can toggle the map off at any time, even after publishing. This is sometimes useful for private or security-sensitive events.

Troubleshooting

Map doesn't display

Possible causes:

  • Map toggle is set to "No, don't show a map"
  • JavaScript is disabled in browser
  • Slow internet connection

Solution: Verify map toggle is enabled and refresh the page.

Grid doesn't appear

Possible causes:

  • Not zoomed in close enough (grid appears when you zoom in far enough to see individual buildings)
  • Map is still loading

Solution: Zoom in further until the grid appears.

Marker in wrong location

Possible causes:

  • Clicked the wrong grid square
  • Map was not zoomed in enough for precision

Solution: Delete the marker and create a new one at the correct location. Zoom in for greater precision.

Street View unavailable

Possible causes:

  • No Street View coverage at that location
  • Rural or private areas without imagery

Solution: Street View is only available where imagery has been captured. Try nearby public roads.

Custom marker image not appearing

Possible causes:

  • Image is still uploading
  • Image format not supported

Solution: Wait for upload to complete. Use JPEG or PNG images.

Next Steps

After Setting Up Your Map

  1. Preview your event page: See how the map looks to attendees
  2. Test on mobile: Check map functionality on a smartphone
  3. Share with colleagues: Get feedback on marker clarity
  4. Review Venue Section: Ensure written directions complement the map

Need Help?

If you encounter issues with venue maps:

Tip: Include screenshots of your map setup when contacting support to help us assist you faster.