Getting Started with Rustic Map

How do I create a Rustic Map account?

Creating an account is simple! Click the 'Sign Up' button in the top right corner of any page. You'll need to provide your email address, create a secure password, and verify your email through the confirmation link we send. Once verified, you can immediately start exploring maps and saving your favorite locations.

Is Rustic Map completely free to use?

Yes, Rustic Map offers a robust free tier that includes access to all basic mapping features, location discovery, and community content. We also offer Premium plans with advanced features like offline maps, enhanced analytics, and priority support for users who need additional capabilities.

What devices and browsers are supported?

Rustic Map works seamlessly on all modern browsers including Chrome 90+, Firefox 88+, Safari 14+, and Edge 90+. Our responsive design ensures optimal experience on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices. For the best performance, we recommend keeping your browser updated to the latest version.

Account & Subscription

How do I reset my password?

If you've forgotten your password, click the 'Forgot Password' link on the login page. Enter the email address associated with your account, and we'll send you a secure password reset link. For security reasons, this link expires after 24 hours. If you don't receive the email, check your spam folder.

Can I cancel my Premium subscription anytime?

Absolutely! You can cancel your Premium subscription at any time from your Account Settings under the 'Billing' section. When you cancel, you'll continue to have access to all Premium features until the end of your current billing period. After that, your account will automatically revert to our free tier.

What happens to my data if I delete my account?

When you delete your account, all your personal data, saved locations, preferences, and mapping history are permanently removed from our systems. This action cannot be undone. We recommend exporting any important data before proceeding. Account deletion is immediate and comprehensive.

Map Features & Navigation

How do I save and organize favorite locations?

Saving locations is easy! Click any location marker on the map, then click the heart icon ♥ in the location details panel. To organize your favorites, create custom collections in your 'My Places' section. You can create collections like 'Weekend Getaways', 'Work Sites', or 'Historical Sites' for better organization.

Can I share maps with colleagues or friends?

Yes! Use the share button (📤) in the top toolbar to generate a unique link to your current map view. You can create public maps visible to anyone with the link, or private maps shared only with specific email addresses. Shared maps maintain all your markers, routes, and layers.

How accurate is the location data in Rustic Map?

We source our data from multiple reputable providers including OpenStreetMap, government databases, and community contributions. Our data is updated regularly, but we always recommend verifying critical information on-site. For the most current conditions, check the 'Last Updated' timestamp on each location's details page.

What types of locations can I find on Rustic Map?

Rustic Map specializes in rustic, historical, and natural locations including national parks, hiking trails, historical landmarks, campgrounds, scenic viewpoints, heritage sites, and outdoor recreation areas. Our database grows daily through both professional curation and community contributions.

Technical Support

The map isn't loading properly. What should I do?

First, try refreshing the page (F5 or Ctrl+R). If that doesn't help, clear your browser cache and cookies. Ensure you have a stable internet connection and that JavaScript is enabled in your browser settings. If problems persist, try using a different browser or check our status page for any ongoing service issues.

How do I report a bug or technical issue?

Use the 'Report Issue' feature in the help menu (question mark icon in the bottom right) or contact support directly. Please include: your browser and version, operating system, steps to reproduce the issue, and any error messages you see. Screenshots are incredibly helpful for our technical team.

Is there a mobile app available?

Currently, Rustic Map is fully optimized for mobile browsers and works great on smartphones and tablets. We're actively developing native iOS and Android apps with enhanced offline capabilities. Join our mailing list to be notified when mobile apps launch - expected later this year!

Why is the map slow on my device?

Map performance can be affected by several factors: internet connection speed, device processing power, and browser capabilities. Try closing other browser tabs, ensure hardware acceleration is enabled in your browser settings, and consider using our 'Lite' mode (available in settings) for slower connections or older devices.

Privacy & Security

How does Rustic Map protect my personal information?

We take privacy seriously. All data is encrypted in transit (HTTPS/TLS) and at rest. We never sell your personal information to third parties. Our privacy-first approach means we only collect data necessary to provide our services. You can review our complete Privacy Policy for detailed information.

Can I use Rustic Map anonymously?

You can browse public maps and explore locations without creating an account. However, to save locations, create custom maps, or access premium features, you'll need to create an account. We minimize data collection for anonymous users and provide clear controls for account holders to manage their privacy settings.

Who can see the locations I save?

By default, your saved locations are private and only visible to you. You can choose to share specific locations or collections with others through shareable links. We never make your personal locations public without your explicit permission. Privacy controls are available for each saved item and collection.

Community & Contributions

How can I contribute to improving Rustic Map?

We welcome community contributions! You can add new locations, update existing information, upload photos, write reviews, and report issues. All contributions are reviewed by our community moderators. Active contributors can earn badges and eventually become trusted editors with additional privileges.

Are there guidelines for adding new locations?

Yes, we have community guidelines to maintain quality. Locations should be publicly accessible, accurately positioned, and include helpful descriptions. We prioritize rustic, historical, natural, and cultural sites. Commercial locations are accepted if they have historical or cultural significance. See our full contribution guidelines for details.

Can I use Rustic Map data for my research project?

For academic or research use, please contact us through our research partnership program. We offer special access to qualified researchers and educational institutions. Commercial use of our data requires a separate licensing agreement. See our Terms of Service for complete usage details.