Understanding the Map View
For each checkpoint, you’ll see a map with two important elements:
- Photo location marker (red pin) – This shows where your photo was taken. Players do NOT see this marker.
- Search area circle – This colored circle shows the area where players should look. Players WILL see this circle on their map.
Why are they different? The search area is intentionally offset from the exact photo location to add a bit of challenge. Players need to search within the circle to find the exact spot shown in your reference photo.
Navigating Between Checkpoints
Use the carousel at the top to move between checkpoints:
- Arrow buttons – Click left/right arrows to move one checkpoint at a time
- Indicator dots – Click directly on a dot to jump to a specific checkpoint
- Labels – Each checkpoint shows its order (S, 1, 2, F, etc.)
Special Note for Start Location: The photo and instructions are hidden until the game starts, BUT the search area for the Start checkpoint (marked ‘S’) is visible to players in the lobby. This helps them travel to the start location. Ensure this location is suitable for gathering!
Adjusting the Search Area
Search Radius
Use the radius slider to change how large the search area is:
- Minimum: 15 ft – Small area, easier for players to find the exact spot
- Maximum: 150 ft – Larger area, more challenging (more ground to search)
- Default: Usually starts at a moderate size
Consider your players: Larger radiuses make the game harder because players have more area to search to find the exact location shown in the reference photo. Consider the skill level and familiarity of your players with the area when setting the size.
Search Area Position
You can move the search area using these controls:
- Randomize button – Places the circle at a random position around the photo location
- Arrow buttons (Up/Down/Left/Right) – Fine-tune the position in small increments
When to Adjust Position
- Safety: Move the circle away from roads, water, or other hazards
- Accessibility: Ensure the search area covers walkable terrain
- Game design: Add challenge by making players search more of the area
- GPS errors: If the photo location seems slightly off, adjust the circle to compensate
Map Controls
The map offers several viewing options:
- Zoom in/out – Use the +/- buttons or pinch gestures
- Center view – Recenters the map on the current checkpoint
- Map type toggle – Switch between Satellite, Map, and Hybrid views
- Pan – Click and drag (or swipe) to move around the map
Checkpoint Instructions
Each checkpoint can have custom instructions that players see when they tap on it:
- Maximum length: 512 characters
- Default text: If you don’t write anything, a generic instruction is shown
Use instructions to guide players, add hints, set creative challenges, or tell a story. They’re a powerful tool to shape the player experience at each checkpoint.
Basic Instruction Examples
- “Find the red bench near the fountain”
- “Look for the mural on the north side of the building”
- “The checkpoint is near the large oak tree”
- “Take your photo with the statue visible in the background”
Tip: Good instructions help players know they’re in the right place without giving away the exact location. Balance being helpful with maintaining challenge.
Creative Challenge Ideas
Take your game to the next level! Instead of simple “find and photograph” tasks, use creative instructions to add fun challenges:
The Giants of Main Street
Use a landmark like a clock tower or statue. Challenge players to use forced perspective photography – making it appear as if they’re “holding up” or “leaning against” the massive structure. Players must carefully align distance and angles to create the optical illusion.
Use a landmark like a clock tower or statue. Challenge players to use forced perspective photography – making it appear as if they’re “holding up” or “leaning against” the massive structure. Players must carefully align distance and angles to create the optical illusion.
Nature’s Palette Match
At a park or garden checkpoint, ask players to find a loose natural object (fallen leaf, pebble, pinecone) that matches the dominant color in your reference photo. Their submission must show this object held up against the background to demonstrate the color match.
At a park or garden checkpoint, ask players to find a loose natural object (fallen leaf, pebble, pinecone) that matches the dominant color in your reference photo. Their submission must show this object held up against the background to demonstrate the color match.
The Shadow Puppeteers
Choose a large blank wall. Ask players to cast a shadow using their hands or bodies to form a specific shape (bird, heart, letters). The photo must capture the shadow clearly against the wall texture – this works best during sunny hours!
Choose a large blank wall. Ask players to cast a shadow using their hands or bodies to form a specific shape (bird, heart, letters). The photo must capture the shadow clearly against the wall texture – this works best during sunny hours!
Mending the View
At a location with patterns (tiled walkway, brick road, patterned fence), ask players to “bridge the gap” using a prop they carry (ribbon, scarf, or chalk). They must visually connect two elements of the pattern with their temporary object.
At a location with patterns (tiled walkway, brick road, patterned fence), ask players to “bridge the gap” using a prop they carry (ribbon, scarf, or chalk). They must visually connect two elements of the pattern with their temporary object.
Through the Looking Glass
Choose a storefront window or glass door. Instead of photographing the glass itself, players must capture the reflection of a specific landmark across the street. This requires precise positioning to catch the right angle.
Choose a storefront window or glass door. Instead of photographing the glass itself, players must capture the reflection of a specific landmark across the street. This requires precise positioning to catch the right angle.
Living History Poses
At a statue, mural, or sculpture, invite playful re-enactment. Players must stand alongside and mimic the exact posture, gesture, or expression of the figure – creating a “living twin” effect in their photo.
At a statue, mural, or sculpture, invite playful re-enactment. Players must stand alongside and mimic the exact posture, gesture, or expression of the figure – creating a “living twin” effect in their photo.
These creative challenges transform a simple scavenger hunt into a memorable adventure that encourages teamwork, creativity, and laughter!
Enabling/Disabling Checkpoints
Any checkpoint can be disabled to remove it from gameplay:
- Enabled (default) – Checkpoint is part of the game
- Disabled – Checkpoint is removed from the game (useful if a location becomes unavailable)
Tip: Disabling a checkpoint completely removes it from the player’s map and game flow. The remaining checkpoints automatically adjust their order.
Tips for This Step
- Review every checkpoint – Don’t skip any, even if you think the defaults are fine
- Avoid overlaps – Make sure search areas don’t overlap between checkpoints
- Consider the route – Think about how players will travel between checkpoints
- Test the view – Switch to satellite view to verify locations look correct
- Consider mobile coverage – Players need internet connectivity to submit check-ins. Avoid locations with poor mobile signal (underground, remote areas, thick buildings)