Trulia Adds Custom Shapes to Their Map Search

Trulia does it again by adding custom shape search to their map interface and they did it with the common user in mind. Trulia made the tool easy to discover by adding a simple, easy to understand icon in the upper right hand corner where a consumer commonly looks for tools. Once the tool is activated mouse tips are used to walk the user through a very easy process to create a polygon that will be used to constrain their search. Once the shape is in place the user automatically sees the result without the additional step of clicking that annoying "Refresh" button. And did I say that it is FAST? It is Super fast which is important to the new impatient consumer.
Once you have the shape you can save it for future access or setup alerts that will email you any updates for the defined area.

What they did correctly:

• The tool is easily discoverable
• It is easy to create and edit your shapes
• Their search engine is lightning fast
• You can go beyond the current session by setting up alerts and saving your shapes

What I would like to see in the future

• Multiple Shapes
• Shapes that can be used as Inclusion or Exclusion searches

I give this product enhancement a 9 out of 10 and give Trulia a +1 for bringing hidden GIS to the masses

Give it a try at Trulia.com and let me know what you think!

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