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Overview

A Wayfinding URL is a special link that opens a Concept3D interactive map with pre-filled walking (or driving) directions between two points. This guide helps both non-technical users and developers understand how to use and build these URLs.

You can generate a Wayfinding URL directly from the Concept3D Map Interface:

• Use the directions tool to select a start and end location on the map.
• After the route is displayed, click the Share button in the directions sidebar.
• This copies a complete Wayfinding URL that you can paste into emails, webpages, or social media.

This method is ideal for non-technical users who want to generate working links without editing URL parameters manually.

When the start or destination is a location on your map, the copied link names it by its Instance ID instead of its coordinates, so the link keeps working if the location's pin moves. Links copied before this update still work.

Not a developer? See Directions Links: Share a Route on Your Map for a simpler walkthrough.

What Can I Do With This?

You can use Wayfinding URLs to:

• Share directions from one place to another (e.g., Parking Lot to Science Building)
• Embed route links in emails, websites, or signage (via QR codes)
• Preload routes in a custom app or platform

These links are great for events, campus tours, visitor navigation, and more.

Real-Life Use Cases

• Admissions team: Link from a tour registration email to a pre-routed walk from parking to the check-in desk.
• Facilities: Post a QR code on construction detours to show a safe walking path.
• Marketing: Embed a map route in an event page for easier visitor wayfinding.

How to Dynamically Generate the Wayfinding URL

Before You Start (Prerequisites)

To use Wayfinding URLs, make sure the following conditions are met:

• A valid Map ID (ask your admin or support team)
• Directions enabled on the map (Concept3D Wayfinding and/or third-party)

Note: If you're not sure which type of directions your map supports, check with your Partner Success Manager or support team.

URL Example

https://map.concept3d.com/?id=1216#?d/type:walking;ada:false;from:42.816600,-75.545119,0;to:42.819458,-75.536093,0;startName:Start%20Location;endName:End%20Location

This link opens the internal demo map with directions from "Start Location" to "End Location."

URL Structure Breakdown

https://map.concept3d.com/?id={MapID}#?d/type:{Mode};ada:{true|false};from:{Lat},{Lng},{Level};to:{Lat},{Lng},{Level};startName:{Text};endName:{Text};parking:{Lat},{Lng},{Level}

Note: All key-value pairs following ?d/ must be separated by semicolons (;).

Minimal URL Examples

// Load empty directions sidebar: https://map.concept3d.com/?id=1222#!s/?d/  

// Load sidebar with destination only: https://map.concept3d.com/?id=1222#!s/?d/to:33.241,-87.23523,1  

// Load full walking route with accessibility off: https://map.concept3d.com/?id=1222#!s/?d/type:walking;ada:false;from:33.2192,-87.5434,0;to:33.2093,-87.5428,0  

// Full driving route with parking point: https://map.concept3d.com/?id=1120#!s/?d/type:driving;ada:false;from:39.661175,-104.742860,0;to:39.740623,-105.006210,0;parking:39.740619,-105.006195,0;startName:My%20Location;endName:Josh%20Library?share

Link to a Location by ID Instead of Coordinates

You can name the start or destination by a location's Instance ID or Reference ID instead of its latitude, longitude, and level. The map looks up the location's current position and floor when the link opens, so you don't need coordinates or level numbers, and the link keeps working if the pin moves. You can mix formats, such as coordinates for the start and a Reference ID for the destination.

Where to find the IDs

Note: The ID field just above Instance ID is a different number, and links don't work with it.

Examples

// Walking route between two locations by Instance ID
https://map.concept3d.com/?id=1216#?d/type:walking;ada:false;fromMrkiId:12345;toMrkiId:67890

// Accessible route to a location by Reference ID
https://map.concept3d.com/?id=1216#?d/type:walking;ada:true;fromMrkiId:12345;toRef:SCI-101

// From a parking spot's coordinates to a Reference ID that contains a space
https://map.concept3d.com/?id=1216#?d/type:walking;ada:false;from:42.816600,-75.545119,0;toRef:Science%20Hall

Good to know

• No level needed: The route uses the location's floor.
• Names are optional: If you leave out startName or endName, the directions show the location's name.
• Coordinates win: If a link has both from: and fromMrkiId or fromRef, the coordinates are used. If it has both fromMrkiId and fromRef, the Instance ID is used.
• Reference IDs must be unique: A Reference ID that more than one location on the map uses won't work. Matching ignores letter case but must match the whole value.
• Visible, published locations only: The location must be published on this map, and visitors must be able to see it. Locations in a private category don't resolve for visitors without access.
• If a location isn't found: Visitors see "We couldn't find the starting point from this link. Choose a starting point." (or the same message for the ending point) and can pick a location themselves.

Notes on Levels

Interiors, also know as “levels” are map-dependent, and the correct value depends on how the map was set up in the CMS. Here are some key things to know:

• Level 0 is generally used for exterior ground.
• Interior buildings typically start at Level 1, but this is not always consistent.
• You may see jumps like Level 0 → Level 3 if:
  • The entrance to a building is located on an upper floor
  • The map's floor setup is customized
  • There's a unique entrance configuration (e.g., hillside, skybridge)

Developer Tip: Always verify level values in the CMS or with your Concept3D rep, especially when working with interior destinations.

Developer Example – Generate a Wayfinding URL in JavaScript

You can programmatically create wayfinding URLs using the structure shown above. Here’s a basic JavaScript example:

const mapId = "1216"; // Replace with your actual Map ID

const from = {
  lat: 42.816600,
  lng: -75.545119,
  level: 0,
  name: "Start Location"
};

const to = {
  lat: 42.819458,
  lng: -75.536093,
  level: 0,
  name: "End Location"
};

const travelMode = "walking";
const ada = false;

const url = `https://map.concept3d.com/?id=${mapId}#?d/type:${travelMode};ada:${ada};` +
  `from:${from.lat},${from.lng},${from.level};` +
  `to:${to.lat},${to.lng},${to.level};` +
  `startName:${encodeURIComponent(from.name)};` +
  `endName:${encodeURIComponent(to.name)}`;

console.log(url);

This is especially useful if you’re integrating wayfinding into a custom web app or mobile app.

To link by location instead of coordinates, swap in the ID keys:

const url = `https://map.concept3d.com/?id=${mapId}#?d/type:walking;ada:false;` +
  `fromMrkiId:${startInstanceId};` +
  `toRef:${encodeURIComponent(destinationRef)}`;

Request a Route From the Wayfinding API

If you use the Concept3D API, the wayfinding endpoint accepts the same location IDs. The API is private. See Interactive Map API FAQs for how to get access.

https://api.concept3d.com/wayfinding/v2?map=1216&key={APIKey}&fromMrkiId=12345&toRef=SCI-101&mode=walking

• Parameters: Use fromMrkiId/toMrkiId (Instance ID) or fromRef/toRef (Reference ID, URL-encoded) instead of fromLat/fromLng or fromAddress. Add ada=true for accessible routes.
• No levels needed: fromLevel, toLevel, and currentLevel aren't required for a point that uses an ID.
• Order used for each point: Coordinates first, then Instance ID, then Reference ID, then address.
• Response: Includes endpoints, which shows how each point was resolved: source, ID, name, coordinates, and level.
• If an ID doesn't resolve: No route is calculated. The response has status: "failed" and code: 9 but still returns HTTP 200, so check status, not only the HTTP code.

For full API documentation, contact your Partner Success Manager.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still Need Help?

Reach out to support@concept3d.com.