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[weirdmusic]

One of the downsides to using Google Maps in posts, is the length of the URL. If you click on "Link" within Google maps, you'll see what I mean. If you try pasting these into your posts, you may find that the page width of the forum breaks the URL, so that not all the link is active. Plus the URL doesn't describe the content / location of the map.

I shorten the URL of maps (or any long file names) that I include in my posts using http://tiny.cc There are other shortening sites such as bit.ly, metamark etc (Do a search & you'll find hundreds - some free, others paid for).

Most of them work the same way as tiny.cc

One thing you should do before anything else, is check that the long link that your about to shorten actually directs you to the required map or file. Google has a nasty habit of dropping parts of the URL. Therefore to check the link.
1. Click on "Link" (top right hand side of map) - a drop down box appears with the link highlighted (in Windows) - press CTL + c (Copy)
(I like to save all my links to maps & files - so I Open "Notepad" - press CTL + V (paste) then copy the link again)
Open a new browser window with a blank page or open a blank Tab
In the address bar at the top - press CTL + V (Paste) then Press Enter - your map should appear. If it doesn't then either you or Google have boobed! Check that you haven't got a load of other maps open at the same time. Then refresh/reload the page. When your satisfied you've got the right map, try checking again. Use "Notepad" to save the link - it helps if your having problems - the numbers right at the very end of the URL will give you a clue as to what's wrong.

2. Open tiny.cc
3 boxes:
http :// this is where you paste your long URL followed by Tiny IT
and below it a very small box that says tiny.cc "customURL" - In here put the title of your URL - DO THIS FIRST (the title can't have any blanks in it, therefore use underscores. Try & keep the title short & sweet - but descriptive.
Next: Paste your long URL into the big box, then click on Tiny It
A new page appears: same as above, but below, it says Recent URLs
On the left is a brief description of the long URL, on the right the now shortened URL (Right click on this link - open a new tab - Your map should appear).
Just below this it says Stats Page - right click on this link (open a new tab) Bookmark this tab - this is your only opportunity to save the Stats page

If you have problems then private message me.

[Dragonrider]

Another way is to simply enclose the URL with the [ URL ] options above the message box when creating or replying to a post.
My School

Or even use the GMAP option on the Post a Reply page.