Joomlashack Adopts the FocalPoint Mapping Extension

: Written by Steve Burge Steve Burge; Published: 15 August 2018 15 August 2018

We are happy to announce that we agreed to adopt FocalPoint, the Joomla mapping extension.

FocalPoint is an excellent extension, originallly developed by John Pitchers.

Over the last few years, we've made it clear that we're willing to adopt Joomla extensions. Whenever we've sent out that message, or announced an acquisition, people suggested Google Maps extensions to us.

With other Google Maps extensions, we weren't able to contact the original developer. But, when a user suggested FocalPoint, we reached out to John. He was enormously helpful and encouraging. Plus, his design and coding work in FocalPoint was outstanding.

So, thanks to feedback from Joomlashack users, and John's help, we're going to adopt FocalPoint. The new name will be "Shack Locations".

What is the FocalPoint extension?

It's true that two of our extensions already support Google Maps. Both OSEmbed and Shack Toolbox allow you to show Google Maps in Joomla.

However, the FocalPoint extension goes much, much further.

With FocalPoint, you can create advanced map-based directories with custom legends, markers, infoboxes and hundreds of locations. You can define the content for each location using CCK functionality. You can also give your users the ability to search and filter all the locations.

FocalPoint is a powerful directory

FocalPoint is not just a great mapping extension, it's an awesome map-based directory. Each location has a dedicated page. You can also assign locations to multiple categories and configure different location types.

FocalPoint allows you to categorize your locations in multiple categories. Some locations just can’t be pigeonholed. For example the local YMCA has a swimming pool, gym, childcare center and cafe. So do you define it as a sporting venue, aquatic center, childcare or place to eat? How about all of the above? With FocalPoint it's not a problem.

Each location can optionally be represented with its own page routed via a full search engine friendly (SEF) URL. The page URL will contain the map name and location name. Furthermore, you get to define the fields that make up the content for each location type.

You can see a great example of the extension by clicking this link.

location example

Are you a FocalPoint customer?

All existing FocalPoint customers will have their purchase agreements honored. If you have an existing subscription to FocalPoint, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we'll move your subscription to Joomlashack.

What happens next?

We are rebranding FocalPoint to "Shack Locations". We chose this name because the extension offers more than just maps. Plus, it avoids confusion with "OSMap".
We are planning to ship this extension in Free and Pro versions.
In a week or two, we will issue a newsletter announcing the official launch of "Shack Locations".