Marker Cluster - Setup Guide

This setup guide will run through a typical setup of the Marker Cluster extension from start to finish.

Overview

The Marker Cluster extension lets you simplify the appearance of maps on your site and facilitate data visualization by clustering the markers on maps. It is compatible with both Google Maps and Open Street Maps, and supports Client Side as well as Server Side Rendering.

For a full list of features see the Marker Cluster product page.

Installation

The first step if you haven't already, is to install the Marker Cluster extension. This can be done by following our guides on how to install an extension.

Step 1 - Settings

Once installed and activated, you can find the Marker Cluster settings at GeoDirectory > Settings > Marker Cluster.

Marker Cluster comes with sane defaults meaning the default settings will work for the majority of users, however, there are many customizations that can be done via the settings, for a full explanation of what all the settings do please see our settings overview.

Step 2 - Server Side or Client Side Clustering

Marker Cluster lets you choose between Server Side and Client Side clustering. Each has its own distinct advantages. For instance, Client Side Clustering leverages browser memory to load the markers and the maps, and is ideal for smaller directories. Server Side Clustering, on the other hand, fetches data via API requests and is meant for larger directories.

You can choose between the two by going to GD > Settings > Marker Cluster. Read more about Server Side and Client Side Clustering.

Step 3 - Adding Marker Cluster to Maps

Marker Cluster can be added to individual maps using widgets, shortcodes or blocks. Once you have installed and activated Marker Cluster extension, you can enable it for individual maps as and when you are adding the widgets, shortcodes or blocks.