Contributor guidelines

• 5 minute read

Why have guidelines?

Our contributor guidelines ensure our map shows consistently presented and useful information, giving sailors all the essential information about a new destination.

A good example is this screenshot of Msida Harbour, Malta — you can instantly see where to moor, refuel, provision, and explore ashore. Clicking any marker reveals details, reviews, and photos, giving visiting sailors everything they need at a glance:

Guidelines for place markers

Descriptions vs reviews

Use each for its proper purpose:

• Descriptions – share facts about a place (what’s there and what it offers), not your personal experiences.
• Reviews – share opinions or experiences (what you thought, how it was).

Keep descriptions short and factual to ensure key information is presented clearly and consistently on the map. Use reviews to tell your story — how it went, what you liked or didn’t, and to rate your experience.

Use proper names

Always use the official or commonly recognised name of a place. Something like “Lovely bay” or “Great mechanic” belongs in a review and won’t help anyone searching for it. If you’re unsure of the correct name, do a quick check on Google or Bing Maps before adding it. The same applies to businesses — don’t just enter “Marina” or “Big boat yard”; find their proper name — it improves search results and adds real value to the map.

When adding something generic, like a dinghy dock, include the name of a nearby location to make it easier to find in search results. Something like “West Cay Dinghy Pontoon” is much more recognisable than just “Dinghy Dock.”

Keep markers clear and distinct

Each marker should represent a single point of interest or service, making it easy for readers to find what they need. Familiarise yourself with the map legend and choose the best marker for the place you’re adding.

If a service has its own location (like showers in a marina), create a separate marker showing exactly where it can be found.

If a place marker already exists, update it or add a review to let others know how you felt about it. Keep all the information about it in one place and don’t add duplicate markers like this:

Use the place detail checkboxes

Some place types, like marinas and shops, include checkboxes to show expected features such as water, Wi-Fi, or showers. Tick everything that applies — these details appear as icons on the banner and also improve keyword searches.

There’s no need to repeat this information in the description; the icons make it clear at a glance.

Limit navigational advice

Use navigational markers only for long-term hazards or other important, permanent information.
Use them sparingly — for example, if a bay has several uncharted rocks, add a single navigation warning rather than trying to mark each rock.

For temporary warnings — such as floating fishing gear — create a community post instead.
Community posts automatically expire after the period you specify and include a group chat where others can share updates or ask questions.

Write original content

Describe places in your own words — it’s far more helpful than copying text from websites or marketing material. Respect copyright and share the facts, not sales pitches.

Prefer English

Write place descriptions in English to reach the widest audience. Reviews can be in whatever language you prefer. If English isn’t your first language, or someone has written a review in a language you don’t recognise, use the app’s translate button.

Add photos that help others

Add photos that clearly show what the place looks like — keep them informative and relevant, and avoid selfies that don’t add value.

Don’t upload annotated satellite screenshots; the map already includes multiple satellite layers.

Give us your best photos — if you upload a really nice one, it may be selected as the banner image for the place you added it to.