How to Use MailMap

Transform your emails into interactive stories on Google Maps

Quick Start Guide

Ready to share your story? It's as easy as sending an email!

Send your geotagged photos and stories to this special email address:

📧 MailMap Email Address:
[email protected]
Click to open your email client with pre-filled template

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Take a Photo with Location Data

Capture your moment with GPS location enabled on your camera or smartphone. Make sure location services are turned on!

Tip: Most smartphones automatically include GPS data in photos when location services are enabled.

2

Write Your Story

Compose an engaging description of your experience, location, or memory. The more compelling your story, the more engagement it will receive!

Example: "Beautiful sunset at Central Park today! The golden hour light made everything magical. Perfect end to a day of exploring NYC! 🌅"

3

Send to MailMap

Email your photo and story to the MailMap address. The system will automatically process your content!

Option 1: Auto GPS

Just attach your geotagged photo - MailMap will automatically extract the location!

Option 2: Manual Coordinates

Add coordinates in subject line: lat:40.7128,lng:-74.0060

Open Email Template
4

Watch Your Story Appear on the Map

Within seconds, your story will be processed and appear as a marker on the interactive MailMap! You'll receive a confirmation email with a direct link.

What happens next: Your story gets a unique URL that you can share on social media to spread the joy!

5

Manage Your Stories (Registered Users)

Registered users can manually add, edit, and delete their photos and descriptions directly on the map.

  • To add: Click on the map where you want to add a photo and wait 3 seconds, or drag and drop your photo onto the map.
  • To edit/delete: Find your existing story on the map and click on it to see management options.

Note: This feature requires user registration and login.

6

Engage with the Community

Visit the map to see your story alongside others from around the world. Like, share, and discover amazing places!

Explore the Map

Pro Tips & Best Practices

Create Engaging Stories

Use descriptive language, share personal experiences, and include interesting details about the location.

Photo Quality Tips

Use good lighting, ensure GPS is enabled, and keep file sizes reasonable for faster processing.

Manual Coordinates

If your photo lacks GPS data, add coordinates in the subject line: lat:40.7128,lng:-74.0060

Share Your Stories

Each story gets a unique URL - perfect for sharing on social media and with friends!

Platform Features

Email-First

No app downloads or registrations required for basic posting. Works with any email client.

Interactive Map

Explore stories from around the world on an interactive Google Map interface.

Community

Vote on stories, report inappropriate content, and engage with fellow travelers.

User Accounts

Register for an account to manually manage your stories on the map.

Real-Time

Stories appear on the map within seconds of email submission.

Moderated

Community-driven moderation ensures quality content and safe browsing.

Mobile-Friendly

Responsive design works perfectly on all devices and screen sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my photo doesn't have GPS data?

You can manually specify coordinates in the email subject line using the format: lat:40.7128,lng:-74.0060. Registered users can also add photos directly on the map and set the location.

How long does it take for my story to appear?

Stories typically appear on the map within seconds of sending your email. You'll receive a confirmation email with a direct link to your story.

Can I edit or delete my story after posting?

Registered users can edit or delete their own stories directly on the map. For stories submitted via email without registration, if you need to remove content, please contact the moderation team through the reporting system.

What image formats are supported?

Most common image formats are supported including JPEG, PNG, and GIF. JPEG images typically contain the best GPS data.

Is there a limit to story length or image size?

Keep stories concise and engaging. Images should be under 10MB for optimal processing speed.

How do I report inappropriate content?

Each story on the map has reporting options. The community-driven moderation system helps maintain content quality.

Community Guidelines

Do's

  • Share authentic, personal experiences
  • Respect privacy and local customs
  • Use descriptive, engaging language
  • Vote and engage positively with others

Don'ts

  • Post inappropriate or offensive content
  • Share copyrighted material without permission
  • Spam the platform with multiple similar posts
  • Include personal information of others

Need Help?

Having trouble with MailMap? We're here to help!

MailMap was created for the Postmark Challenge: Inbox Innovators