Map Auto-Reset Mode

When an interactive map is used by multiple people — such as on a public screen, kiosk, tablet, or shared device — one user may leave the map zoomed into a specific location, category, or list view. The next user may not know how to return to the main map or starting point.

Map Auto-Reset Mode solves this by automatically resetting or redirecting the map after a defined period of inactivity. This ensures every new viewer starts from a clear, familiar state — without manual intervention.

You can try Map Auto-Reset Mode on this demo map. It will auto-reset after 10 seconds.

How to enable Map Auto-Reset Mode

To enable Map Auto-Reset Mode, add the following parameter to the end of any Mapme map URL:

?autoFirstPageTimeoutSeconds=<time_in_seconds>

This value defines how long the map can remain inactive before it automatically resets.

Example:

https://viewer.mapme.com/e19fb1e5-b1f1-42c1-9f17-f7303a593d90?autoFirstPageTimeoutSeconds=60

In this example, the map will automatically reset after 60 seconds of inactivity.

Where Map Auto-Reset Mode can be applied

Map Auto-Reset Mode is flexible and can be applied to different entry points of your map:

• Main map view – resets to the default map state
• Specific location pages – redirects back to that location after inactivity
• Filtered or categorized views – restores a predefined context

Simply add the parameter to the relevant URL, and the map will automatically redirect after inactivity.

Common use cases

• Interactive map kiosks
  Perfect for museums, visitor centers, malls, and exhibitions where many users interact with the same screen.
• Public displays & digital signage
  Keep maps clear and readable on unattended screens in lobbies, conferences, or public spaces.
• Sales demos & trade shows
  Ensure each demo starts from a clean, predictable state — even after multiple interactions.
• Shared tablets or touchscreens
  Ideal for schools, offices, showrooms, and real estate presentations.
• Embedded maps on websites
  Reset maps automatically for users who return to an open browser tab after some time.

How to choose the right reset time

The ideal reset time depends on how your map is being used and how long a typical interaction lasts. Choosing the right timeout helps keep the experience smooth without interrupting active users.

• Interactive kiosks & public touchscreens
  Recommended: 30–60 seconds
  Shorter reset times work best when users are standing and interacting briefly. This ensures the map quickly returns to a clear starting point for the next visitor.
• Museums, exhibitions & visitor centers
  Recommended: 60–120 seconds
  Visitors may take more time to explore locations or read descriptions, so a slightly longer timeout prevents unwanted resets.
• Trade shows & sales demos
  Recommended: 45–90 seconds
  Allows enough time for discussion while still resetting automatically between demos.
• Public displays & digital signage
  Recommended: 20–40 seconds
  Faster resets help keep the map visually clean and focused, especially on unattended screens.
• Embedded maps on websites
  Recommended: 90–180 seconds
  Online users may switch tabs or pause while reading, so longer reset times avoid disrupting their experience.

Related terms

Map Auto-Reset Mode is sometimes also referred to as:

• Kiosk mode
• Public display mode
• Idle timeout mode
• Auto-redirect after inactivity