Introduction to Categories

MetaLocator Categories are the primary way to separate, filter, and organize data. A single record can belong to multiple categories. To view existing categories in the MetaLocator Control Panel, navigate to Data > Categories.

For more information on managing categories in multiple languages, see Managing Multiple Languages.

Uses of Categories

Categories can be used to:

• Present a list of checkboxes on the search form to filter by category
• Display categories in the results.
• Filter the data in the interface to a specific category
• Prioritize one group of records over another
• Control the map marker icon of certain records
• Display a legend of map marker icons

Creating and Editing Categories

1. To create a new category, click New in the toolbar.
2. To edit an existing category, click its name.

Both actions open the Category Editor, which uses a tabbed layout.

Basic Information

• Name: Label for the category. Users will see this text. Supports multiple languages.
• Color: Color class for the category, matching the Interface Builder Style & Color settings.

Icon: Icon representing the category.

Category Options

• Ordering: Numeric order of the category; affects icon priority when a record belongs to multiple categories.
• Group Name: Assign multiple categories to the same group to display them as collections on the search form.
• Marker URL: Image used for map markers.
• Prioritize In Search Results: Promotes records in this category above others in search results.
• Show in Legend: Option to hide the category in the map legend.
• Show in Front-end Location Form: Option to hide the category from the public data entry form.

Importing Categories

Categories can be imported in two formats:

1. Individual Categories: Enter categories as a comma-separated list in the header row, e.g.:

Category 1, Category 2, Category 3

Each value will be created as a separate category.

2. Category Groups: Enter multiple categories under a single header as a semi-colon delimited list to create a group, e.g.:

Products: Product A; Product B; Product C

This will assign all listed products to the Products category group in the interface.

For more guidance on importing data, see Introduction to Importing Data.

Updated on: 12/11/2026