2025 Q2 Interactive Map Release Notes

May 8, 2025

Ability to Embed Map Locations without the Location Display

We’ve expanded the ability to embed map locations without showing the info popup (marker balloon), making for a cleaner display, especially useful in mobile apps or platforms like Localist.

How it works:

Add &mbh before the hash (#) in your map share URL to hide the popup while still showing the location marker.

Marker stays visible
Balloon/sidebar is hidden
Works on desktop & mobile
Compatible with other query parameters
Works well when hiding top bar and sidebar as well for marker only dynamic embeds

More information about that can be found in these help articles:

Improved Accessibility for 'Show More' Button

We’ve updated the “Show More” button on mobile so that its accessible label matches what users see on screen. This makes voice navigation more accurate and improves the experience for users relying on assistive technologies.

Improved Error Message Display in Map CMS

We’ve refined the look and feel of error messages in the Interactive Map CMS. The updated design is less alarming—reduced in size and now shown in orange instead of red—to better match the severity of most issues.

Messages now also include guidance to clear your browser cache, which often resolves the problem. Behind the scenes, we’ve added logging to help the Concept3D team more quickly identify and resolve issues when they do arise.

May 1 & 5, 2025

This release brings a wide range of impactful updates across performance, usability, accessibility, and wayfinding. From a smoother CMS experience with better error handling and simplified style management, to more intuitive indoor navigation with level-aware directions, these enhancements are designed to make your workflows faster and more user-friendly. Read on for all the details!

Feature Enhancements

Level Selection for Directions in Multi-Level Buildings

Users can now specify their current floor level when obtaining directions from their current location in multi-level buildings. This ensures accurate navigation within complex interiors. When selecting "my location" as the starting or ending point, users will be prompted to choose their floor only if the building features multiple levels. The floor designation will be integrated into the interface for better usability.

Enhanced CMS Error Handling for Bad Data

We have improved how the CMS deals with bad data to prevent it from crashing when saving revisions. Users will now receive notifications if bad location data is detected. Instead of halting the entire system, an error message with details on the problematic revision will appear, which includes support contact information.

Simplifying Styles Management

We've streamlined the style management within the CMS by removing the separate CMS Styles tab. Now, you only need to update styles in one place, under the newly renamed "Styles" tab. This change ensures a more cohesive look across your CMS and front-end interface, allowing for easy adjustments and polished, consistent styling. The integration also links specific styles directly from the identified styles tab, such as logo display options on the top bar and footer styles, to keep everything looking sharp and well-contrasted.

Improved Wayfinding Desktop and Mobile UI Alignment

We've fine-tuned the Wayfinding UI on desktop to better match the mobile experience. This includes consistent margins, paddings, and element heights for a cohesive look. Plus, all essential accessibility features remain intact for seamless usage across both platforms.

Accessibility Improvements

Easier Keyboard Navigation in Location Sidebar

We’ve improved how you move through the Location Sidebar using a keyboard. Navigation now follows a more natural order, making it easier for users with screen readers or keyboard-only access to find what they need.

Better Headings for Sub-categories

The headings in the sidebar now follow a more logical structure. This helps users with screen readers understand the layout more clearly.

Improved “Back” Button for Assistive Tech

The “Back” button in the sidebar now includes a clearer label for people using voice commands or other assistive tools, making it easier to use and more accessible overall.

April 25, 2025

Enhanced Map Embed Code

Our map embed codes now include permissions for accelerometer and gyroscope. This enhancement activates the blue directional "cone," improving user orientation and interaction with embedded maps. Previously, users experienced an issue where the directional cone was not visible despite having location services enabled.

Note: Any customer who already has an embed code in use will have to update their implementation with these details. It is not retroactive.

Improved Transition from Driving to Walking Directions

Enhanced the connection between driving and walking directions on our platform. Previously, users experienced a gap between where driving routes ended and walking directions began, often resulting in confusion when navigating campus areas. Now, the transition is seamless and intuitive, providing a more cohesive navigation experience. This improvement ensures that paths link correctly, helping users easily reach their desired destinations from parking areas to campus wayfinding paths.

CMS Performance Improvements

Efficient Loading of Routes Data in CMS: We optimized the Content Management System (CMS) to enhance performance and user experience by loading route data only when the routes tab is accessed. This change significantly reduces initial load times and server load, making it smoother for users. This adjustment also minimizes API calls, helping ensure that the route information you modify or view is as current as possible, and reduces conflicts in concurrent route editing scenarios. Users can now expect better responsiveness of the CMS without the hefty initial data load.

Accessibility Updates

Improved List Markup for Map Controls: We've enhanced the screen reader experience by ensuring that items such as "Reset map view" and "Open map layer" are correctly identified as lists.
Accessible Labels for the Level Selector: The level selector buttons now provide clear and descriptive information for screen reader users. Buttons like "View floor one level up" and "View floor one level down" now announce their function properly, ensuring users understand their purpose. Also, we fixed the issue where accessible labels for floor selectors did not match their visual names, aiding screen reader users.
Improved Mobile Map Attribution for Screen Readers: "Privacy Policy" and "Terms of Service" links are now grouped in a list for easier screen reader navigation. Also, the close button on the map attribution screen is now clearly labeled for screen readers.
Improved Screen Reader Experience for Skip Menu Links: The skip menu links now correctly instruct screen readers to announce relevant information only, enhancing navigation for users with screen readers.
Improved Focus Order in Media Gallery Sidebar: We've streamlined the navigation experience by restructuring the focus order of interactive elements in the media gallery sidebar. Now, using the Tab key to navigate will move focus through the "Minimize Location Details," "Share location," "Open directions," and "Close" buttons in a logical sequence. Similarly, the focus order for slides now correctly navigates from "Previous slide" to "Next slide," finishing with the "Fullscreen" button. These changes make the application more keyboard and screen reader-friendly, enhancing accessibility for visually, physically, and neurologically diverse users.

April 9, 2025

Improved Handling of "No Info" Locations in Mobile Map UI

In the mobile map interface, locations marked as "No Info" will now have a cleaner and more intuitive experience. The previously disruptive white bar has been removed and users can easily dismiss these location markers by tapping anywhere off the marker to close them, enhancing interaction efficiency and visual clarity on the map.

Accessibility Enhancements

Improvements to Map Controls

Screen Reader Feedback for Map Rotation: Screen readers now announce changes in view direction when the rotate button is activated.

Pitch Button State Announcements: The map pitch button now communicates state changes to screen readers, enhancing usability for visually impaired users.

Map and Satellite View Tabs: The map and satellite view buttons are now recognized as interactive tabs with accurate state roles. Screen readers can convey their status, and users can navigate between them using arrow keys.

Map Layer and Floor Selector Updates: Status changes in map layer toggles and floor selectors are now announced via ARIA live regions. This ensures screen reader users receive timely updates without requiring manual focus.

Zoom Control: The map's zoom control now includes proper textual names, roles, and state information for screen reader accessibility, ensuring visually impaired users can understand and interact with the slider effectively. The Zoom slider functionality has been removed to ensure a more consistent and maintainable implementation.