Locator Search

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Purpose

The Locator Search (also referred to as Map Search) provides an interactive, map-based way to discover properties. Instead of working through a form and reviewing a text-based list, users can visually explore an area on a map, see where properties are located as pins or clusters, and filter what they see in real time. This feature is powered by OpenStreetMap and the Leaflet mapping library, making it a practical tool for location-sensitive property searches.

How It Works

The Locator Search page displays an interactive map alongside a search/filter panel. Properties within the current map view appear as pins (or grouped clusters when there are many nearby properties). As the user moves or zooms the map, the visible pins update to reflect the new area. Clicking a pin opens a popup with brief property details and a link to the full property page.

The search panel allows users to further filter what appears on the map by criteria such as property type, category, price range, and bedroom/bathroom count. A text-based address search allows users to navigate the map to a specific location without dragging manually.

A "near me" feature (where browser location permissions are granted) can automatically center the map on the user's current location.

Users can also draw a custom area on the map to restrict the search to a hand-drawn polygon or rectangle, making it easy to define a non-standard neighborhood boundary.

How to Use It

  1. Open the Locator Search page from the site menu. The map will load, showing the default area configured by the administrator.
  2. Search by address – Type an address or place name in the search box on the panel and press Enter or click Search. The map will pan to that location.
  3. Use "Near Me" – Click the Near Me button (if available) to automatically center the map on your current location. Your browser may ask for permission to access your location.
  4. Browse the map – Drag the map to pan, and use the scroll wheel or zoom buttons to zoom in and out. Property pins will appear for available listings.
  5. Click a pin – Click any pin on the map to see a popup with a summary of that property. Use the link in the popup to view the full details page.
  6. Apply filters – Use the filter panel to narrow the results by property type, category, price range, bedrooms, or bathrooms. The map updates automatically.
  7. Draw a search area – Use the draw tool to outline a specific area on the map. Only properties within the drawn boundary will be shown.
  8. Adjust the search radius – If a radius slider is available, use it to define the distance from the searched location in which properties should be shown.

Practical Use Cases

  • Neighborhood exploration – A buyer wants to see what is available in a particular neighborhood. They navigate the map to that area and browse all visible pins.
  • Commuter search – A user wants to live within 5 kilometers of their workplace. They search for the office address, set the radius slider to 5 km, and see only properties within that range.
  • Custom boundary search – A user has a very specific target area in mind (for example, between certain streets). They use the draw tool to outline the area and filter results to that exact polygon.
  • "Near me" rental search – A user on a mobile device clicks "Near Me" to instantly see what rental properties are available near their current location.
  • Visual comparison of areas – A buyer considering two neighborhoods can navigate between them on the map to compare how many and what types of listings are available in each.

Key Elements on the Screen

Interactive map
The main element of the page. Displays an OpenStreetMap-based map with property pins:

  • Single pins – Represent individual properties
  • Clustered pins – Represent groups of nearby properties; clicking a cluster zooms in to reveal individual pins
  • Popups – Appear when clicking a pin, showing property name, price, and a link to the details page

Address search box
A text input field where users type an address, city, or landmark. Submitting the search pans the map to the entered location.

"Near Me" button
Centers the map on the user's current geographic position using the browser's location services.

Draw tool
Allows users to draw a custom polygon or rectangle on the map to define a search boundary. Only properties inside the drawn area are displayed.

Radius slider
A slider control that sets the search radius (distance) around the current map center or searched location. Adjusting the radius expands or contracts the area of the search.

Filter panel
Dropdown and range controls for:

  • Property type – Filter by type of property
  • Category – Filter by property category
  • Price range – Minimum and maximum price
  • Bedrooms / Bathrooms – Numeric filters

Results list (below the map)
A list of properties found in the current map view, mirroring what is shown as pins. Each item includes key property details and a link to the full listing.

Expected Results

As the user navigates, searches, or applies filters, the map updates in real time to show relevant property pins. Clicking a pin reveals a summary popup. The results list below the map also updates to match the current visible properties. Users can then click through to a full property details page for any listing they find.

Important Notes

  • The Locator Search requires an internet connection to load map tiles from OpenStreetMap.
  • The "Near Me" feature requires the browser to have location access enabled. If location access is denied, the feature will not work.
  • For properties to appear as pins on the map, they must have geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) stored in the system. Properties without location data will not appear on the map even if they match other filter criteria.
  • The draw search area tool may not be available on all installations, depending on the site configuration.
  • On mobile devices, map interaction (pinch-to-zoom, tap) behaves like a standard mobile map application.
  • Large numbers of nearby properties are grouped into clusters to keep the map readable. Zoom in to expand clusters and see individual property pins.
  • The availability and behavior of the radius slider and draw tool may depend on the site setup and any customizations applied by the administrator.