Google Maps integration allowed site visitors to filter results on various settings, showing all the physical PFK agent property listings. Advanced Google Map integration helps users to locate where each property is on the map. Custom styling was also incorporated into the pop-up info box. For example, a link to the property details and enquiry page.
As part of the custom functionality of the site, we saved a local copy of the property data. The local data allowed the team to develop an advanced search engine with filters providing fast, efficient, relevant property search results. We extended this to integrate directly with the Google Maps API, plotting properties onto a map. Integration of the Google Geocoding API converted property addresses into geographical coordinates for better accuracy. Google Maps integration also enabled the use of custom ‘info boxes’, with helpful popup cards on each property plotted onto a map (meaning a user could quickly view the name and price of a property (as well as an image), to improve the user experience.
Initially, the search made use of geographical radius. Users could search for properties within a specified distance radius of a provided location. The search was done with a standard circle radius calculation (essentially drawing a circle of the required distance from a central point and returning all properties within that zone. After launch, and through discussion with PFK, Feel Created looked to improve this functionality. They did this by plotting more defined geographical areas surrounding a provided location (such as a town name). The improved functionality meant the system could plot an area based on southwesterly and northeasterly extreme points.
