We recommend reading this article to understand the key building blocks of Capra. This will help you know what to tackle first.
You can start either by creating specific routes or a collection, it doesn't matter.
You don't have to create a collection, you can just create individual route maps. Collections are useful for bundling routes together.
A single Map 'pin' can be connected to multiple collections and routes simultaneously.
Collections
Example collection screenshots. Note they have 'Map Info' icons (pins) and contain multiple routes (trails, courses)
What to know about collections:
Collections are like mini-guidebooks and can contain multiple route maps, perfect for
events with multiple courses or stages
multi day itineraries
destinations with multiple recommended route options
You can create collections at any time and add or remove routes at any time.
Collections have privacy settings to control access
Collections should be dynamic, meaning if info changes, routes and other info can be changed instantly.
Collections can have non route specific information e.g. if an accomodation recommendation applies to the whole collection it does't need to be connected to just one route.
Routes
Example 'route' screenshots. Note the route specific details, route specific 'Map Info' pins and link through to the route map. In the example below these two routes could be in a single collection.
What to know about routes:
Routes can be created individually and don't have to be in a collection.
Routes can be in multiple collections at the same time.
Routes have privacy settings to control access
Routes are created in metric units of measure as default, but can be switched to imperial in the app and web maps
Routes can and should be edited frequently to ensure the info is up to date
Updated route GPX files can be loaded easily without needing to change the map information pins
Pins
Example map pin screenshots.
What to know about pins
In the Capra platform we use the term 'connecting' to describe which maps the pins should appear on.
A single pin can be 'connected' to multiple routes and collections at the same time. This is to make it easy and fast to create and update pin information.
Pins can be 'disconnected' from any/all routes or collections but don't have to be deleted from the system in case needed in future. Great for mothballing a pin that could be relevant in future.
Pins have the following information options when they are created:
App users can bookmark the pin for quick access
More Info buttons link to external websites
'Get Directions' opens the user's default map e.g. Google or Apple maps which is useful to driving directions. This button can be switched off (it won't appear to the app user) which is useful when Google Maps takes people the wrong way.
Images. A pin can have a picture added for additional impact.