Comments and conversations
Threaded comments on a map, optionally anchored to a selected feature or markup sketch so reviewers can talk about a specific place.
basicComments 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 markup: draw a redline, 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 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.
Anchoring to a feature or markup
Select exactly one feature on the map before you post: the compose box switches to that feature and the new thread is pinned to it. Blue pins on the map mark open feature- or markup-anchored threads; click a pin to open that conversation. You can also pick a markup sketch from the Anchor to markup list when no feature is selected. Use Map-level to post without an anchor.
Replying
Each thread has its own reply box. Type, click the send button, done. Replies show up in order, newest at the bottom.
Mentioning someone
Type @username in a new thread or reply to email that org member (when they can view the map and notifications are enabled on the portal). Unknown handles stay as plain text. You cannot mention yourself, and a single comment notifies at most ten people. Mentions do not fire again when you edit a comment.
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 | Any signed-in viewer |
| Edit own comment | Author (within 15 minutes) or map editor |
| Resolve / reopen | Thread opener or map editor |
| Delete a comment | Author or map editor |