Groups Directory Settings allow admins to provide users with advanced map-based and proximity search functionality, making it easier to discover and connect with location-based groups. These features improve the user experience by promoting local engagement and giving users more control over how they search for groups in the directory.
These settings can be accessed by navigating to the WB Plugins > Check-ins Pro > Group Directory Settings.
Display Map on Groups Directory
Enabling this option will display a map on the BuddyPress groups directory page. When this is active, users can see a map that visually represents the location of different groups. This is particularly useful for sites where groups are organized or identified by geographical location, as it allows users to easily find and join groups based on their proximity or preferred region.
It enhances the visual experience of the groups directory and provides a practical way for users to discover geographically relevant groups, making it easier to connect with groups that are nearby or within a specific area.
Enable Proximity Search on Groups Directory
When this option is enabled, it replaces the default BuddyPress group search with a proximity search feature. Instead of searching for groups based on keywords, users can search for groups based on location, similar to how proximity search works for members. This makes it easier for users to find groups that are closer to them, which can encourage more local participation and engagement.
This feature improves search functionality by focusing on location-based searches, which can help users find relevant groups quickly and efficiently, especially for communities that emphasize regional or local collaboration.
Distance Units
This setting allows you to specify the unit of distance used for proximity searches. Typically, you can choose between Miles or Kilometers based on your region’s preference or your community’s geographic focus. The unit selected here will be used when displaying distances for proximity searches.
Customizing the distance unit ensures that the search results are clear and relevant for users from different regions, providing a familiar measurement system to users whether they are accustomed to miles or kilometers.
Radius
This option lets you define the search radius for proximity searches in the group’s directory. You can enter a single numeric value (e.g., 25 miles) to set a default radius for proximity searches or enter multiple comma-separated values (e.g., 10, 25, 50, 100, 200). If multiple values are entered, they will be displayed as a dropdown menu in the search form, allowing users to select their preferred search radius.
Offering customizable radius values gives users more flexibility when searching for groups. Users can choose to search for groups in a smaller, more local area, or widen their search to discover groups that are farther away, depending on their needs and preferences.
Hide Default Search on Groups Directory
By enabling this option, you can hide the default BuddyPress search bar in the groups directory. This is useful if you want users to focus solely on the proximity search or other customized search options without the distraction of the standard keyword search.
Hiding the default search bar can simplify the user interface, making it less cluttered and more focused on proximity-based group discovery. This can be particularly effective for location-centric communities where proximity is the primary search criterion.
Hide Group(s) from Directory Map
This feature allows admins to select specific groups and hide them from appearing on the directory map. If certain groups should not be visible on the map for privacy or organizational reasons (e.g., internal or private groups), you can exclude them from the map display.
This setting provides control over which groups are visible on the map, offering privacy to groups that prefer not to share their location or limiting map visibility to only relevant or public groups. This helps in keeping the map focused on the groups that users are most likely to join.