Comments and conversations

Threaded comments scoped to a map so reviewers can have a conversation about what they're seeing.

basic

Comments let you have a real conversation about a map without leaving the map. Open a thread, reply, resolve it when the question is answered. Pairs naturally with <a href="map-editing-markup">markup</a>: drop a pin to flag a specific spot, then open a comment thread about it.

Opening the Comments panel

In the map editor toolbar, click the chat-bubble icon. The Comments panel slides in from the right showing every open thread on the map.

Starting a thread

Type into the Start a new thread box at the bottom and click Post. The thread appears in the panel with your name and a timestamp. Anyone else viewing the map (including over a public share link) sees the thread on their next refresh.

Replying

Each thread has its own reply box. Type, click the send button, done. Replies show up in order, newest at the bottom.

Editing your comment

Within 15 minutes of posting, you can edit your own comment. After that the comment is permanent for everyone except a map editor, who can clean it up at any time.

Resolving and reopening

When a thread's question is answered, the thread opener (or any map editor) can click Resolve. Resolved threads hide by default behind a "Show resolved" checkbox so the panel stays focused on what still needs attention. Closed conversations stay around as a record; nothing is permanently deleted.

Permissions at a glance

Action	Who can do it
Read all comments	Anyone who can view the map
Open a new thread	Any signed-in viewer
Reply to an open thread	Any signed-in viewer
Edit your own comment	The author, within 15 minutes
Delete your own comment	The author, any time
Edit any comment	Map editor
Delete any comment	Map editor
Resolve a thread	Thread opener or map editor

What ships in Phase 1

Phase 1 threads are scoped to the whole map. Phase 2 will add threads anchored to a specific layer, a specific feature, or a specific markup pin, with the thread rendered as a small pin on the map. The conversation primitive itself stays the same.

<a href="map-editing-markup">Markup</a> for redlining a map alongside the conversation.
<a href="map-editing-presence">Live presence</a> to see who else is in the map right now.