How to Use PlaceEngine

Please refer to the links on the tab menu on the left for platform dependent usage information. Also, the FAQ may be helpful as well.

PlaceEngine Client Release Notes

Introduction

Wi-Fi Device

Please make sure your Wi-Fi device is turned on and enabled. In order to access our server you must be connected to the Internet.

Web Broswer

Please make sure that you have Javascript and cookies enabled in your browser. If you are using a proxy server, please refer to the section regarding proxies in the FAQ.

Get Location

After you install the PlaceEngine Client software you can use it to estimate you current location. Either click on the "Get Location" button on the PlaceEngine Client itself, or the one found on the PlaceEngine MAP site.

The PlaceEngine Client software will display a simple place name (address), latitude, and longitude of the current location.

On the PlaceEngine MAP site, your current location will be centered on the map.

In order for the "Get Location" button on the PlaceEngine MAP site to work, you must have the PlaceEngine Client software running. To access the PlaceEngine MAP site, click either the PlaceEngine logo or the PlaceEngine button depending on the version.

The following conditions must be met in order for your current location to be determined and displayed.

  • Must be connected to the Internet and have access to the PlaceEngine server.
  • Information regarding access points scanned in your vicinity must be pre-registered in the PlaceEngine database.

Register Location

"Get Location" will fail, if you are located in an area that is currently not supported by PlaceEngine.

If "Get Location" fails, click the "Register Location" button below the map to show the Register Location Menu. Next, click your exact current location on the map, fill in the form items accordingly, and click "Register".

You cannot "Register Location", if no Wi-Fi access points are found nearby,

Fine Tuning Your Current Location

If the current location displayed after you click "Get Location" on the PlaceEngine MAP site is incorrect, you can fine tune the results and update the database on the PlaceEngine server.

Click the "Register Location" button below the map to show the Register Location Menu. Next, click your exact correct current location on the map, fill in the form items accordingly, and click "Register".

* Information registered via "Register Location" will be incorporated in the PlaceEngine database by applying PlaceEngine's own unique algorithm. This information will be reflected in subsequent "Get Location" queries to provide an evolving up-to-date location service.