Professional Site Planning. Simple Tools.

What Are GoodEvent Maps Features?

GoodEvent Maps features are the integrated planning tools that let event organizers create accurate outdoor event layouts on Google Maps satellite imagery. Features include drag-and-drop asset placement with 100+ event-specific icons, real-time team collaboration, precise measurement tools, multiple export formats, mobile access for on-site crews, and unlimited free usage. Unlike generic design software or expensive CAD tools, every feature is built specifically for outdoor event planning workflows.

Event site planning typically requires juggling multiple tools—Google Maps for location scouting, design software for layout, email for coordination, separate tools for measurements, printing services for distribution. Each tool costs money, requires training, and creates workflow breaks. When you need to check something, you're switching between applications. When requirements change, you're updating multiple places.

GoodEvent Maps consolidates everything into one free tool. Search locations on Google Maps, plan layouts on real terrain, measure precisely, collaborate with teams, share with stakeholders, access on mobile—all in one place. No switching tools. No export-import cycles. No fragmented workflow.

Core Planning Features

These are the foundational features that make GoodEvent Maps work for outdoor event planning. Every map you create uses these tools.

Google Maps Integration

What it does: GoodEvent Maps is integrates with Google Maps, giving you access to the same satellite imagery that Google Maps provides globally.

Why it matters: You're not looking at an artist's interpretation of a site or outdated survey data. You see current satellite photography showing trees, buildings, roads, slopes, and ground conditions. This is the same imagery used by millions of people daily, regularly updated by Google.

How to use it:

• Search for any location worldwide by name or address
• Zoom from wide area view down to individual tree level
• Starting added assets
• Draw Shapes
• Share to your team, clients and vendors

Accuracy: Google Maps satellite imagery is accurate to 1-2 meters for site-level planning. While not survey-grade precision for pegging individual marquees, it's more than sufficient for overall site layout, zone planning, and infrastructure positioning.

Satellite and Terrain Views

What it shows: Switch between standard map view and high-resolution satellite imagery. Terrain view overlays topographic information showing elevation changes and slopes.

Why it matters: Outdoor events are affected by ground conditions. That "flat field" might have a noticeable slope. Areas might have poor drainage. Existing vegetation affects where you can place structures. Seeing terrain before planning prevents costly on-site surprises.

What you can identify:

• Slopes and elevation changes that affect setup, drainage, and accessibility
• Tree cover providing natural shade or creating obstacles
• Existing buildings, structures, and hardstanding areas
• Water features, ditches, and drainage patterns
• Ground surface types (grass, gravel, pavement, sand)
• Vehicle access points and road connections
• Neighboring properties and boundaries

Planning decisions this informs: Where to position stages for optimal sound travel, toilet blocks for accessibility, vehicle routes to avoid soft ground, camping areas away from slopes, emergency assembly points on flat ground.

Drag-and-Drop Interface

What it does: Simple drag-and-drop placement of event structures and equipment. No complex drawing tools or technical skills required.

How it works:

1. Select asset from library (stage, marquee, toilet block, etc.)
2. Drag onto map at desired location
3. Drop to place
4. Resize by dragging corners
5. Rotate to match orientation
6. Adjust position by dragging

Why it's better than drawing: Generic design tools make you draw rectangles and label them. "This rectangle is a stage. This one's a toilet block." GoodEvent Maps has pre-built assets that look like what they represent. Anyone viewing the map immediately understands what they're seeing.

Speed: Place a complete festival layout with 50+ elements in 30-45 minutes. Same layout would take 3-4 hours in CAD software or on paper.

100+ Event-Specific Assets

What's included: Comprehensive library of assets designed specifically for outdoor events. Not generic shapes—recognizable representations of actual event equipment.

Asset categories:

Structures:

• Stages (various sizes and configurations)
• Marquees and tents (frame, clearspan, stretch, tipis)
• Gazebos and canopies
• Exhibition structures
• Production compounds
• Storage containers

Facilities:

• Portable toilet blocks (standard and accessible)
• Showers and changing facilities
• Medical tents and first aid posts
• Information points
• Lost children areas
• Staff welfare facilities

Catering:

• Food trucks and vendors
• Bars (straight, L-shaped, circular)
• Catering tents
• Picnic areas and seating zones
• Water refill stations

Infrastructure:

• Generators and power distribution
• Water tanks and connections
• Waste bins and recycling points
• Site compound and storage
• Security posts and control points

Access & Safety:

• Entry and exit gates
• Fencing and barriers
• Vehicle checkpoints
• Emergency assembly points
• Accessible routes markers

Zones & Areas:

• Camping areas
• Parking zones (public, VIP, staff, accessible)
• Production areas
• Vendor pitches
• VIP sections

Custom assets: Don't see what you need? Upload your own branded icons and logos. Create custom assets for specialized equipment.

Accurate Measurement Tools

What you can measure: Distances between points, perimeters of zones, areas of regions, walking routes, vehicle access widths.

Measurement features:

• Distance tool: Click two points to measure straight-line or walking distance
• Path measurement: Create multi-point paths to measure routes
• Area calculation: Draw boundaries and get automatic square footage/meterage
• Perimeter calculation: Measure fence lengths and boundary distances
• Unit switching: Toggle between metric (meters, kilometers) and imperial (feet, miles)
• Scale indicators: On-screen scale bars show map scale at any zoom level

Accuracy level: Measurements accurate to 1-2 meters, suitable for site planning, capacity calculations, and regulatory compliance verification. Not survey-grade but far more accurate than estimation or hand-drawn plans.

Regulatory compliance: Many event regulations specify maximum distances for emergency access, toilet facilities, first aid, etc. Measurement tools let you verify compliance before submitting plans to authorities.

Example uses:

• Verify emergency vehicle access is within 100m of all structures (fire safety requirement)
• Calculate camping area can accommodate 500 tents at 6m² per pitch
• Measure walking distance from entrance to main stage (attendee experience)
• Verify accessible toilet blocks within 150m of all areas (accessibility regulations)
• Calculate total fence length needed for site security perimeter

Collaboration Features

Outdoor events involve multiple people—organizers, suppliers, authorities, crew. Collaboration features ensure everyone works from the same plan.

Real-Time Multi-User Editing

What it does: Multiple team members can edit the same map simultaneously. Changes appear instantly for everyone viewing the map.

How it works: When you share edit access with colleagues, they can add assets, move items, adjust layouts at the same time you're working. No turn-taking. No waiting for others to finish. No conflicts between versions.

Who sees what: You see cursors showing where other users are working. Changes appear as they happen. Add a stage—your colleague sees it immediately on their screen.

Use cases:

• Production manager plans stage areas while site manager plans vehicle access
• Safety officer adds emergency assembly points while production manager adjusts infrastructure
• Multiple team members work on different zones of large festival site simultaneously

Why this matters: Traditional planning means one person creates layout, emails to team, waits for feedback, incorporates changes, emails again. Cycle repeats for days. Real-time collaboration collapses this to one planning session where everyone contributes simultaneously.

Permission Controls

Access levels available:

Owner: Full control including sharing, deleting, and transferring ownership
Editor: Can modify layout, add/remove assets, change everything except sharing settings
Commenter: Can add comments and suggestions but cannot modify layout
Viewer: Can view map and zoom/navigate but cannot edit or comment

Who gets which access:

• Owners/Editors: Internal team members who actively plan
• Commenters: Stakeholders providing feedback (clients, authorities, senior management)
• Viewers: Vendors, crew, suppliers who need to see plan but not modify

Why this matters: You don't want vendors accidentally moving structures or deleting zones. You don't want 50 people all trying to edit. Permission controls let you share widely while maintaining control over who can change things.

Comment System

How it works: Click any location on map, add comment. Others see comment marker, can read and reply. Threaded discussions about specific map elements.

Comment features:

• Location-specific comments pinned to exact map positions
• Threaded replies for discussions
• @ mentions to notify specific team members
• Resolve button to mark comments as addressed
• Comment history shows all discussions

Use cases:

• Client: "Can we move VIP area closer to main stage?"
• Safety officer: "This emergency access route needs to be 4m wide, currently showing 3m"
• Supplier: "Where exactly should I deliver fencing for this zone?"
• Team member: "Has anyone confirmed this area is flat enough for accessible toilets?"

Better than email: Comments stay with the map location they reference. Six months later, when planning next year's event, you see why certain decisions were made. Email threads get lost. Map comments persist.

Version History

What it tracks: Every change to map—who made it, when, what changed. Complete audit trail of planning process.

How to use it:

• View timeline of all changes
• See exactly what was different in previous versions
• Roll back to earlier version if mistake is made
• Compare current version to version from last week
• Identify who made specific changes

Why it matters: Someone accidentally deletes half your map? Roll back to 5 minutes ago. Client wants to see "what it looked like before we added the VIP section"? Show them previous version. Need to prove when emergency access routes were added? Check version history.

Accountability: When planning involves multiple organizations (venue, production company, local council), version history provides clear record of who added/modified/removed elements and when. Useful for liability and compliance documentation.

Activity Log

What it shows: Real-time feed of all map activity—assets added, items moved, comments posted, users accessing map.

Information tracked:

• Who accessed map and when
• What changes they made
• Comments added or resolved
• Exports generated (PDFs, images)
• Sharing changes (new users added)

Use cases:

• See if vendors have viewed their location assignments
• Track when authorities last reviewed your emergency access plan
• Know if client has seen latest version incorporating their changes
• Monitor team activity during intensive planning sessions

Export and Sharing Features

You've created a professional site plan. Now you need to distribute it to dozens of stakeholders in formats they can actually use.

Shareable Links

How it works: Generate unique URL for your map. Anyone with link can access based on permissions you've set. No login required for viewers.

Link types:

• Edit links: For team members who need to modify
• Comment links: For stakeholders providing feedback
• View-only links: For vendors, crew, authorities who need to see plan

Distribution methods:

• Copy link and send via email
• Share in WhatsApp, Slack, Teams, other messaging platforms
  
• Post in event management systems
• Include in tender documents
• Embed in event websites

Benefits over email attachments:

• Recipient always sees current version (link stays same, map updates)
• No large file attachments clogging email
• Mobile-friendly—opens in browser, no app needed
• Can track who's viewed (activity log)
• Update plan, everyone with link sees update immediately

QR Code Generation

What it creates: QR code that opens map when scanned with phone camera.

Where to use QR codes:

• Printed on crew briefing sheets—scan to see site map
• Posted on warehouse boards—scan to access load locations
• Included in vendor packs—scan to see pitch location
• Printed on site signage—visitors scan to see facilities map
• Added to event programs—attendees scan to navigate site

Why QR codes work: Faster than typing URL. Works for people who aren't tech-savvy. Anyone with smartphone can scan—no app required beyond built-in camera.

PDF Export

What it creates: High-resolution PDF suitable for printing or digital distribution.

PDF features:

• Customizable page size (A4, A3, A2, A1, custom)
• Orientation (portrait or landscape)
• Scale bar and legend included
• Your logo and branding
• Map title and date
• Print-ready resolution (300 DPI)

When to use PDFs:

• Submitting plans to local council for permits
• Including in formal tender documents
• Printing for crew folders and clipboards
• Archiving final approved plans
• Sharing with stakeholders who prefer static documents

Layer control: Choose which layers to include in PDF. Export infrastructure view for technical crew, public-facing view for attendee maps, emergency access view for authorities.

Image Export (PNG/JPG)

What it creates: High-resolution images of your site map.

Use cases:

• Insert into PowerPoint presentations
• Add to event proposals and pitch decks
• Include in social media posts announcing event
• Embed in event websites
• Add to email signatures during event promotion

Image options:

• Resolution control (screen resolution to print quality)
• Transparent background (PNG) for graphic design
• Compressed files (JPG) for web use
• Custom dimensions for specific applications

Embed Codes

What it does: Generate HTML code to embed interactive map on websites or intranets.

Where to embed:

• Event website showing site layout to ticket buyers
• Vendor portal showing pitch allocations
• Staff intranet for crew reference
• Client presentation websites
• Festival apps and digital programs

Interactive features preserved: Embedded maps remain interactive—viewers can zoom, pan, click assets for information. Not just static images.

Mobile Access Features

Site planning happens in offices. Event execution happens outdoors. Mobile features bridge this gap.

Mobile-Optimized Interface

What it means: Maps work perfectly on phones and tablets. Not just desktop-only.

Mobile interface features:

• Touch-optimized controls (tap, pinch-zoom, swipe)
• Simplified asset library for small screens
• Readable text and icons at phone size
• Fast loading even on 4G connections
• Works in landscape and portrait orientation

Who uses mobile access:

• Site managers walking the venue with tablet
• Crew members referencing setup locations on phones
• Vendors checking their pitch location on arrival
• Event staff answering attendee questions about facilities
• Authorities reviewing emergency access on-site

No App Required

How access works: Maps open in phone browser. No app download, no installation, no updates to manage.

Why this matters: Getting crew to download and install apps is hard. Many resist. Some have limited phone storage. App stores have restrictions. Browser access means click link → see map. Works for everyone immediately.

Universal compatibility:

• Works on iPhone (Safari)
• Works on Android (Chrome)
• Works on tablets (iPad, Android tablets)
• Works on any device with modern browser
• No operating system restrictions

Offline Viewing Capability

How it works: Maps load initial view even on poor connections. Once loaded, pan and zoom work without network.

Use cases:

• Rural event sites with poor mobile signal
• Inside buildings with thick walls blocking signal
• Festival sites with congested networks
• International events without data roaming

Limitations: Editing requires connection. Viewing previously loaded areas works offline.

Advanced Planning Features

These features handle complex scenarios that simple planning tools can't manage.

Layer System

What it does: Organize map elements into layers. Show or hide layers to focus on specific aspects.

Layer types:

• Infrastructure layer: Power, water, waste, cables
• Structures layer: Stages, marquees, buildings
• Public areas layer: Attendee facilities, seating, toilets
• Operations layer: Crew areas, storage, security
• Emergency layer: Access routes, assembly points, medical
• Setup/breakdown layers: Different configurations for different phases

How to use layers:

• Turn off public layers when planning technical infrastructure
• Show only emergency layer when meeting with safety authorities
• Display setup layer to crew during install, event layer during operation
• Export different layer combinations for different stakeholders

Why this matters: Festival map with 500+ elements is overwhelming. Layers let you show relevant information to relevant people. Technical crew sees technical elements. Attendees see public facilities. Everyone sees what they need, nothing more.

Zone Drawing and Labeling

What it does: Draw custom shapes defining zones. Label areas with names and descriptions.

Zone types:

• Camping zones (with capacity calculations)
• Parking areas (public, VIP, accessible, staff)
• Vendor sections (food, craft, commercial)
• Production compounds (backstage, crew, storage)
• Restricted areas (no public access)
• Activity zones (specific areas for activities)

Zone features:

• Draw irregular shapes matching real boundaries
• Calculate zone area automatically
• Add zone capacity (e.g., "camping: 500 tents @ 6m² each = 3,000m² minimum")
• Color-code zones by function
• Number zones for reference
• Add text labels visible at all zoom levels

Multiple Map Views

What it allows: Create multiple views of same site for different purposes.

View examples:

• Setup view: Shows installation sequence, vehicle access, staging areas
• Event day view: Public-facing map showing facilities, stages, food
• Breakdown view: Removal sequence, waste collection points, exit routes
• Emergency view: Access routes, assembly points, medical locations
• Vendor view: Just vendor pitches with numbers and access info

How it works: Same base map, different layers visible, different elements emphasized. Export appropriate view for each stakeholder group.

Copy and Template Features

What it does: Save maps as templates. Duplicate elements quickly. Reuse layouts for recurring events.

Template uses:

• Save this year's festival layout as template for next year
• Create standard vendor pitch layout, duplicate across site
• Template common zone configurations (parking, camping, catering)
• Build library of layouts for different event types at same venue

Copy features:

• Select multiple assets, copy, paste elsewhere
• Duplicate complex arrangements (stage + barriers + front-of-house)
• Mirror layouts for symmetrical sites
• Rotate copied groups to match different orientations

Time savings: First event takes hours to plan. Template that layout, second event takes 20 minutes—just adjust specifics.

Integration With GoodEvent Tools

GoodEvent Maps works standalone but integrates with other GoodEvent products for complete event operations.

GoodEvent Business Integration

How they connect: Link site maps to specific event bookings in GoodEvent Business. When creating quote for outdoor wedding, attach site map. Client sees layout as part of proposal.

Workflow: Create event booking → Generate site map in Maps → Link map to booking → Include in quote sent to client → Client sees professional site layout alongside pricing.

Benefits: Professional proposals showing exactly where equipment will be positioned. Clients visualize the event before booking. Fewer questions and changes because expectations are set clearly.

GoodEvent Layout Integration

How they work together: Use Maps for site overview, GoodEvent Layout for detailed interior layouts. Maps shows where marquee goes, Layout shows furniture arrangement inside marquee.

Workflow: Plan festival site in Maps showing 10 marquees → Click marquee → Open in Layout → Design interior floor plan with tables, chairs, bars → Save → Layout linked to Maps position.

Benefits: Seamless zoom from site overview to interior detail. Coordinate outdoor positioning with indoor arrangements. One integrated plan from site boundary to individual table placement.

GoodEvent Planner Integration

How they connect: Include Maps site plans in tender packages sent via GoodEvent Planner. Suppliers see exactly where they'll be working when bidding.

Workflow: Create tender for festival power supply → Attach Maps showing generator locations, cable routes, distribution points → Send to electrical suppliers → They quote accurately because they understand site requirements.

Benefits: Better supplier quotes because they can see site context. Fewer surprise costs from "didn't realize it was that far" or "didn't know there was a slope." Clearer communication reduces errors.

GoodEvent Docs Integration

How they connect: Link site survey forms and safety checklists from GoodEvent Docs to specific map zones.

Workflow: Create safety inspection form in Docs → Link to specific areas in Maps → Crew completes inspection → Results appear on map showing which zones have been checked.

Benefits: Systematic site surveys ensuring all areas covered. Visual tracking of inspection completion. Documentation linked to physical locations for compliance evidence.

Getting Started With GoodEvent Maps Features

Ready to use these features for your event? Here's how to start.

Step 1: Create free account → Sign up at goodevent.com. No credit card. Free forever.

Step 2: Create first map → Click "New Site Map." Search for your event location.

Step 3: Explore interface → Switch between map and satellite view. Zoom in and out. Get familiar with navigation.

Step 4: Try measurement tools → Use distance measurement to measure something you know (venue building length). Verify accuracy.

Step 5: Place first assets → Open asset library. Drag stage onto map. Position it. Resize it. Get comfortable with placement.

Step 6: Experiment with layers → Create infrastructure layer. Add power and water assets. Toggle layer on/off. See how it works.

Step 7: Try collaboration → Share map with colleague. Both edit simultaneously. Add comments. See real-time updates.

Step 8: Export test PDF → Export small section as PDF. Check quality. Verify it prints properly.

Step 9: Test mobile access → Open map on your phone. See how it works on small screen. Try navigating site.

Step 10: Plan small event → Use these features to plan actual event. See which features you use most. Build proficiency.

Most users are comfortable with core features within 30 minutes. Advanced features like layers and templates become familiar after planning 2-3 events.

Related Resources

Feature Deep Dives

• Measurement and Calculations - Complete guide to accurate site measurements
• Asset Library - Browse all 100+ event assets available
• Collaboration Tools - Team planning and stakeholder coordination
• Export Options - PDF, images, links, and QR codes explained
• Mobile Access - Using maps on phones and tablets on-site

Use Cases by Event Type

• Festival Site Planning - Multi-stage events and camping areas
• Outdoor Markets - Vendor pitch allocation and flow
• Sports Events - Routes, stations, and spectator areas
• Corporate Events - Team building and company events
• Agricultural Shows - Large rural event sites

Getting Started Guides

• Your First Site Map - Step-by-step tutorial
• Essential Features Tutorial - Master the basics
• Collaboration Best Practices - Team planning tips
• Professional Export Guide - Creating presentation-ready output

Complementary Tools

• GoodEvent Layout - Interior floor plans for marquees and venues
• GoodEvent Business - Link site maps to event bookings and quotes
  
• GoodEvent Planner - Include maps in tender documents
• GoodEvent Docs - Site survey forms and safety checklists