InsightMaps

Appearance

Bookmarks ​

Save complete map views including location, scale, visible layers, basemap settings, and thumbnails. Share bookmarks with your team and set auto-load favorites for instant access.

Overview ​

Bookmarks provide comprehensive map view management with database persistence, allowing you to save and restore complete map states including all layers, basemap settings, and view position.

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Core Capabilities:

  • Quick Save: One-click bookmark creation with auto-generated names
  • Custom Bookmarks: Named bookmarks with optional descriptions
  • Two Workspaces: My Bookmarks (owned) and Shared (public from all users)
  • Complete State Capture: Location, scale, layers, basemap, and thumbnail
  • Team Sharing: Make bookmarks public for team access
  • Auto-Load Favorite: Set one bookmark to load automatically on startup
  • Import/Export: Backup and transfer bookmarks with detailed reporting
  • Manual Ordering: Drag to reorder bookmarks in preferred sequence
  • Search & Filter: Find bookmarks quickly

Authentication Required: Must be logged in to save and manage bookmarks.

Creating Bookmarks ​

Quick Save ​

Fast bookmark creation with auto-generated name.

How to Use:

  1. Set up your map view (layers, location, scale)
  2. Click "Save Current View" button
  3. Bookmark created instantly with name like "View - Jan 15, 2026 2:30 PM"

What's Saved:

  • Current map center coordinates (automatically projected to configured coordinate system)
  • Current map scale (rounded to nearest predefined scale)
  • All visible layers with their settings (visibility, opacity, labels, definition expressions)
  • Current basemap and opacity setting
  • Map thumbnail screenshot (200x150 pixels)
  • Spatial reference (coordinate system)

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Custom Named Bookmark ​

Create bookmark with custom name and description.

How to Use:

  1. Click gear icon → "Add custom bookmark"
  2. Custom input expands
  3. Enter bookmark name (required, max 100 characters)
  4. Optionally add description for notes
  5. Optionally enable "Make public" to share with team
  6. Click "Save"

Character Limit: Name limited to 100 characters with live counter

Public Option: Only available for authenticated users - makes bookmark visible in everyone's "Shared" tab

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Two-Tab Workspace ​

My Bookmarks Tab ​

Your personal saved bookmarks.

What You See:

  • Bookmarks you created
  • Name, scale (1:X format), creation date
  • Thumbnail preview (if compact layout disabled)
  • Favorite indicator (star icon) for auto-load bookmark
  • Shared indicator (users icon) if made public
  • Counter showing total items

Available Actions (owner only):

  • Load bookmark
  • Edit name & description
  • Set as auto-load (favorite)
  • Toggle public/private
  • Update with current view
  • Move up/down (manual sort mode only)
  • Delete

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Shared Tab ​

Public bookmarks from all users.

What You See:

  • All bookmarks marked as public (including your own)
  • Creator name ("by You" or username)
  • Name, scale, creation date
  • Thumbnail preview (if compact layout disabled)
  • Counter showing total items

Available Actions:

  • Load bookmark (all bookmarks)
  • View details (read-only, for others' bookmarks)

Refresh Behavior: Automatically refreshes when switching to Shared tab (cached for 30 seconds to avoid excessive reloads)

Note: Your own public bookmarks appear in both tabs - manage them from "My Bookmarks" tab

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Loading Bookmarks ​

Load to Map ​

Restore saved map view with progress tracking.

How to Load:

  1. Click "Load bookmark" button (extent icon) next to bookmark
  2. Progress bar appears for multi-layer bookmarks
  3. Map state restored completely

What Happens (in order):

  1. Clear Map: Removes all current layers
  2. Load Basemap (10% progress): Restores saved basemap with opacity setting
  3. Load Layers (10-80% progress): Recreates all saved layers with their settings
  4. Navigate to Location (80-100% progress): Zooms to saved coordinates and scale

Layer Restoration:

  • Recreates layers with exact settings: visibility, opacity, labels, definition expressions
  • Supports all layer types: ArcGIS REST, WMS, WMTS, Group Layers, Imagery
  • Preserves WMS-specific properties (selected style, legend URL, queryable status)
  • Restores sublayer configurations for MapImageLayer
  • Enables popups after loading

Coordinate Handling:

  • Bookmarks stored in configured default coordinate system
  • Automatically converted to map's current coordinate system when loaded
  • Ensures consistent behavior across different map projections

Progress Notification: Only shown for bookmarks with 3+ layers, provides step-by-step feedback

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Managing Bookmarks ​

Edit Name & Description ​

Modify bookmark metadata.

Editable Fields:

  • Name (required, max 100 characters)
  • Description (optional)

How to Edit:

  1. Click menu (three dots) → "Edit name & description"
  2. Dialog opens with current values
  3. Modify fields
  4. Click "Save"

Duplicate Check: Cannot use a name already taken by another bookmark (case-insensitive)

Character Counter: Shows when approaching 80 characters, turns red at 100

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Set as Auto-Load ​

Mark one bookmark to load automatically on startup.

How to Use:

  1. Click menu → "Set as auto-load"
  2. Bookmark marked as favorite (star icon appears)
  3. Auto-load status saved

Behavior:

  • Only ONE bookmark can be auto-load favorite at a time
  • Setting new favorite automatically removes previous favorite
  • Auto-loads when application starts
  • Persists across sessions
  • Can be removed with "Remove auto-load" action

Visual Indicator: Favorite bookmarks show yellow star icon and have yellow left border

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Toggle Public/Private ​

Share bookmarks with team or keep private.

How to Toggle:

  1. Click menu → "Make public" (if private) or "Make private" (if public)
  2. Status updates immediately
  3. Notification confirms new status

Public Bookmarks:

  • Visible in everyone's "Shared" tab
  • Still manageable only by owner
  • Shows users icon in "My Bookmarks" tab
  • Creator name visible to others

Private Bookmarks:

  • Only visible in your "My Bookmarks" tab
  • Not visible to other users
  • No shared indicator

Auto Tab Switch: Making your own bookmark private automatically switches to "My Bookmarks" tab for immediate feedback

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Update with Current View ​

Replace bookmark state with current map view.

How to Update:

  1. Modify map: change layers, location, scale, basemap
  2. Click menu → "Update with current view"
  3. Confirmation dialog shows layer changes
  4. Click "Update" to replace bookmark state

Layer Comparison Dialog:

  • Added Layers: New layers in current view (green, with plus icon)
  • Removed Layers: Layers in bookmark but not current view (red, with minus icon)
  • Unchanged Layers: Count of layers present in both
  • Shows up to 5 layer names per section, then "+X more..."

What Gets Updated:

  • Map location and scale
  • All visible layers with current settings
  • Basemap and opacity
  • New thumbnail screenshot

What's Preserved:

  • Bookmark name
  • Description
  • Favorite status
  • Display order
  • Public/private status
  • Creation date
  • Bookmark ID

Comparison Performance: Layer comparison runs asynchronously with loading indicator

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Manual Reorder ​

Drag bookmarks to custom order (manual sort mode only).

Requirements: User preference must be set to "Manual Sort" (not "Alphabetical")

How to Reorder:

  1. Click menu → "Move up" or "Move down"
  2. Bookmark position changes
  3. Order saved to database

Sort Rules:

  • Favorite bookmarks always appear first
  • Can only reorder within same group (favorites or non-favorites)
  • Cannot move favorite below non-favorite
  • Position persists across sessions

Alternative Sort Mode: Alphabetical sorting by name (automatic, no manual controls)

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Delete Bookmark ​

Remove bookmark from database.

How to Delete:

  1. Click menu → "Delete"
  2. Confirmation dialog appears
  3. Shows bookmark name
  4. Click "Delete" to confirm

Warning: Cannot be undone - ensure you export if you want to keep a copy

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Viewing Shared Bookmarks ​

View Details (Read-Only) ​

See information about others' public bookmarks.

Available for: Bookmarks in "Shared" tab that you don't own

How to View:

  1. Click information icon next to bookmark
  2. Details dialog opens showing:
    • Creator name (shared by)
    • Bookmark name
    • Map details: scale, spatial reference, creation date
    • Auto-load status (if favorite)

Note: Cannot edit or delete others' bookmarks, only view details and load to map

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Import & Export ​

Export Bookmarks ​

Backup all your bookmarks to JSON file.

How to Export:

  1. Click gear icon → "Export bookmarks"
  2. JSON file downloads automatically
  3. Filename format: bookmarks-YYYY-MM-DD.json

What's Exported:

  • All your bookmarks with complete state
  • Layer configurations
  • Thumbnails (embedded as data URLs)
  • Spatial references
  • All metadata (names, descriptions, public status)

File Format: Human-readable JSON with 2-space indentation

Use Cases:

  • Backup before making changes
  • Transfer bookmarks between accounts
  • Share bookmark collections with team
  • Archive project-specific bookmarks

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Import Bookmarks ​

Restore bookmarks from JSON file with advanced duplicate handling.

How to Import:

  1. Click gear icon → "Import bookmarks"
  2. Select JSON file (max 5MB)
  3. System checks for duplicates
  4. Choose handling method if duplicates found

Duplicate Handling:

If bookmarks with same names exist:

  • Skip Duplicates: Keep existing, import only new bookmarks
  • Replace All: Delete existing, import all bookmarks from file
  • Cancel: Abort import

Validation:

  • Required fields checked: name, coordinates (x, y), scale, layers
  • Thumbnail size limit: 2000 characters
  • Layer data size limit: 50,000 characters
  • Invalid bookmarks skipped with error details

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Import Results ​

Detailed report after import completion.

Success View (no errors):

  • Green success banner
  • Count of imported bookmarks
  • Source filename
  • Timestamp

Detailed View (with errors or skipped):

  • Summary Card: Success rate percentage, counts (total, imported, skipped, failed)
  • Color-coded Success Rate: Green (≥80%), Orange (≥50%), Red (<50%)
  • Skipped Section: Lists bookmarks skipped due to duplicates with expandable details
  • Errors Section: Shows failed bookmarks with reasons in expandable accordion
  • Action Buttons: Export error report, Undo import

Export Error Report: Downloads JSON with:

  • Summary statistics
  • Full error details with reasons
  • List of duplicates
  • Source filename and timestamp

Undo Import: Removes all bookmarks imported in this session (tracked by import IDs)

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Search & Filter ​

Find bookmarks by name.

How It Works:

  • Type in search box (appears when 6+ bookmarks)
  • Searches both tabs simultaneously
  • Case-insensitive partial match
  • Debounced for performance (300ms delay)
  • Clear button to reset

Search Behavior:

  • Searches name field only
  • Shows live filtered results
  • Updates as you type (after debounce)
  • Empty state message if no matches

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Technical Implementation ​

Storage Format ​

Database: PostgreSQL with authentication-based access

Bookmark Properties:

  • Name, description
  • Basemap ID and opacity
  • Center coordinates (x, y) in configured SRID
  • Map scale (rounded to nearest predefined scale)
  • Spatial reference (WKID)
  • Layer state (JSON string, max 50,000 characters)
  • Thumbnail URL (data URL, max 2000 characters)
  • Display order (manual sort position)
  • Public/private status
  • Owner information (user ID, username)
  • Creation timestamp

Coordinate System Handling ​

Storage Projection: All bookmark coordinates automatically projected to configured default SRID before saving

  • Uses ArcGIS geometry projection operators
  • Ensures consistent storage regardless of map's current projection
  • Configured SRID set by administrator in application config

Load Projection: Coordinates automatically converted from storage SRID to map's current spatial reference when loading

  • Supports any valid ESRI WKID
  • Handles Australian coordinate systems (GDA94, GDA2020, MGA zones)
  • Falls back to default SRID if spatial reference not specified

Thumbnail Generation ​

Screenshot Capture:

  • Dimension: 200×150 pixels
  • Format: JPEG (quality 0.6) or PNG for Safari
  • Background: White (for consistent appearance across themes)
  • Waits for map to be stationary (not animating) before capture
  • Safari: Additional 300ms delay for WebGL buffer readiness

Performance:

  • Non-blocking (continues if screenshot fails)
  • Compressed format to reduce database storage
  • Embedded as data URL in bookmark JSON

Layer State Persistence ​

Captured Layer Properties:

  • Layer type, title, URL
  • Visibility, opacity, labels visible
  • Definition expression (SQL filter)
  • Geometry type, output fields
  • Popup enabled/disabled
  • API key (for ArcGIS services)
  • Custom metadata

WMS-Specific Properties:

  • Selected style
  • Legend URL
  • Available styles
  • WMS version
  • Queryable status

Group Layer Handling:

  • Recursively saves sublayers
  • Preserves group structure
  • Skips graphics layers (temporary data)

MapImageLayer Sublayers:

  • Saves all visible sublayers individually
  • Preserves sublayer-specific settings
  • Includes sublayer IDs for restoration

Public/Private Sharing ​

Owner Permissions:

  • Full control: edit, update, delete, toggle public status
  • Can make bookmarks public for team access
  • Can revert public bookmarks to private

Shared Bookmark Access:

  • Read-only for non-owners
  • Can load to map
  • Can view details
  • Cannot edit, update, or delete

Database Security:

  • User ID tracked for ownership
  • API enforces permission checks
  • Public status controlled by owner only

Common Workflows ​

Workflow 1: Daily Site Review ​

Scenario: Start each day viewing the same project site

Steps:

  1. Navigate to project site with relevant layers visible
  2. Click "Save Current View"
  3. Rename to "Daily Site - North Project"
  4. Click menu → "Set as auto-load"
  5. Tomorrow: App opens with this bookmark loaded automatically

Result: Instant access to project site without manual navigation

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Workflow 2: Project Milestone Snapshots ​

Scenario: Document map state at key project milestones

Steps:

  1. Configure map with analysis layers for Month 1
  2. Save custom bookmark: "Project Status - Month 1" with description
  3. Update bookmark monthly with "Update with current view"
  4. Compare layer changes in confirmation dialog
  5. At project end: Export all milestone bookmarks for archive

Result: Historical record of project progression

Workflow 3: Team Reference Views ​

Scenario: Share standard views with team

Steps:

  1. Create bookmark with optimal layers for common task
  2. Name: "Zoning Analysis - Standard Layers"
  3. Enable "Make public" checkbox
  4. Teammates: Access from "Shared" tab
  5. Update bookmark when standard layers change
  6. Team always has current reference view

Result: Consistent analysis setup across team

Workflow 4: Multi-Site Comparison ​

Scenario: Compare 5 different site locations

Steps:

  1. Navigate to Site 1, save bookmark
  2. Repeat for Sites 2-5
  3. Enable manual sort mode (user preferences)
  4. Drag to reorder sites by priority
  5. Click through bookmarks to compare sites

Result: Quick site navigation without repeated searches

Workflow 5: Backup and Transfer ​

Scenario: Transfer project bookmarks to new account

Steps:

  1. Original account: Export bookmarks → saves JSON file
  2. New account: Import bookmarks → select JSON file
  3. Handle duplicates: Replace existing
  4. Review import results
  5. Undo if needed or export error report

Result: Project bookmarks available in new account

Best Practices ​

Naming Conventions ​

Effective Names:

  • Include project identifier: "Highway 101 - Impact Zone"
  • Include date for temporal bookmarks: "Flood Analysis 2023-12"
  • Include purpose: "Monthly Review - North District"
  • Be specific: "Site A - Pre-Development" not "Map View"

Descriptions:

  • Use for context: "Layers configured for environmental review"
  • Note version: "Updated with new flood model layers"
  • Include reference: "For council meeting presentation"

Auto-Generated Names: Fine for temporary views, rename important bookmarks

Organization ​

Manual Ordering:

  • Group related bookmarks together
  • Place frequently used bookmarks at top
  • Use favorites for single most-accessed bookmark
  • Review and reorder quarterly

Public vs Private:

  • Make public: Reference views, standard configurations, team resources
  • Keep private: Personal views, experimental setups, temporary analysis

Regular Maintenance:

  • Delete outdated bookmarks monthly
  • Export important bookmarks before major changes
  • Update bookmarks when layer sources change
  • Review shared bookmarks for relevance

Performance ​

Thumbnail Optimization:

  • Wait for map to load completely before saving
  • Disable unnecessary layers before bookmark creation
  • Accept thumbnail failures (bookmarks still work)

Large Layer Counts:

  • Bookmarks with many layers take longer to load
  • Progress bar provides feedback
  • Consider grouping layers before bookmarking

Import File Size:

  • Max 5MB limit prevents browser memory issues
  • Split large collections into multiple files
  • Remove unnecessary thumbnails from export if needed

Sharing Workflow ​

Team Standards:

  • Establish naming conventions for public bookmarks
  • Document bookmark purposes in descriptions
  • Designate bookmark curator for team resources
  • Review public bookmarks quarterly for relevance

Version Control:

  • Export bookmarks before major project changes
  • Use timestamps in exported filenames
  • Keep archive of milestone bookmarks
  • Document bookmark changes in project notes

Troubleshooting ​

"Failed to save bookmark" ​

Possible Causes:

  • Not authenticated (not logged in)
  • Network connectivity issue
  • Database unavailable
  • Layer data exceeds size limit (50,000 characters)

Solutions:

  • Verify you are logged in
  • Check internet connection
  • Reduce number of layers if size limit exceeded
  • Try again after network stabilizes
  • Contact administrator if problem persists

"Failed to load bookmark" ​

Possible Causes:

  • Corrupted bookmark data
  • Invalid layer URLs (layer service moved or deleted)
  • Network timeout
  • Spatial reference mismatch

Solutions:

  • Try loading different bookmark to verify map functionality
  • Check if layer services are accessible
  • Update bookmark with current view if layers have changed
  • Delete and recreate if bookmark data corrupted
  • Check browser console for specific error details

"Some layers failed to load" ​

Possible Causes:

  • Layer service URLs changed or unavailable
  • Authentication required for layer services
  • Network interruption during load

Solutions:

  • Verify layer services are accessible in web browser
  • Update bookmark with current working layers
  • Contact layer service administrator if services moved
  • Bookmark partially restored - adjust manually and update

Thumbnail Not Capturing ​

Possible Causes:

  • Map not fully loaded when saving
  • Browser security restrictions (rare)
  • Safari WebGL buffer timing issue

Solutions:

  • Wait for all layers to load before saving bookmark
  • Bookmark still works without thumbnail
  • Non-critical issue - thumbnail is visual aid only
  • Try different browser if consistently failing

Import Duplicates Dialog Not Showing ​

Possible Causes:

  • All bookmarks have unique names (no duplicates)
  • Import file has errors (none successfully imported)

Solutions:

  • This is normal - proceeds to import results directly
  • Check import results dialog for errors
  • Review exported JSON for validity

Cannot Move Bookmark Up/Down ​

Possible Causes:

  • Not in manual sort mode (set to alphabetical)
  • Bookmark is favorite and at top of favorites
  • Bookmark is non-favorite and at bottom of list
  • Trying to move favorite below non-favorite

Solutions:

  • Switch to manual sort mode in user preferences
  • Favorites always appear first - cannot reorder between groups
  • Verify bookmark is not already at boundary position

Shared Tab Not Updating ​

Possible Causes:

  • Cache TTL (30 seconds) not expired
  • Network delay
  • No public bookmarks exist

Solutions:

  • Wait 30 seconds and switch back to Shared tab
  • Click refresh button in bookmark panel header (gear menu)
  • Create public bookmark to verify functionality

Summary ​

Bookmarks provide comprehensive map view management:

Key Features:

  • 🏷️ Quick Save: One-click with auto-generated names
  • ✍️ Custom Bookmarks: Named with descriptions and public option
  • 📂 Two Workspaces: My Bookmarks (owned) and Shared (team access)
  • 📸 Complete State: Location, scale, layers, basemap, thumbnail
  • ⭐ Auto-Load Favorite: One bookmark loads on startup
  • 🌐 Team Sharing: Public bookmarks visible to all users
  • 📊 Import/Export: Backup with detailed error reporting
  • 📋 Manual Ordering: Drag to sequence bookmarks
  • 🔍 Search: Find by name with live filtering
  • ✏️ Full Management: Edit, update, reorder, delete

Technical Foundation:

  • Built on PostgreSQL with authentication
  • Automatic coordinate projection to configured SRID
  • Layer state persistence with all properties
  • Map thumbnail screenshots (200×150px)
  • Progress tracking for multi-layer bookmarks
  • WMS-specific property preservation
  • Public/private sharing with ownership control

Remember: Bookmarks save complete map state including all visible layers, making them perfect for standard views, project milestones, and team reference configurations.