Location selection occurs immediately after you choose to create a new project:

1. Click "Create Garden Project" or "Create Bigger Project" on the home page
2. You're redirected to the interactive map interface
3. Select your precise project location
4. Confirm and proceed to project setup

Important: You cannot proceed without selecting a location, as it's fundamental to all subsequent AI research.

Understanding the Map Tools

Search Functionality

• Address Search: Enter street address, city, or landmark
• Coordinate Search: Use latitude/longitude if known
• Place Name Search: Find specific locations, parks, or facilities

Map Controls

• Zoom In/Out: Get closer detail or broader view
• Pan: Move around the map by clicking and dragging
• Map Type: Switch between satellite, terrain, and street views
• Full Screen: Expand map for better visibility

Selection Tools

• Click to Place Pin: Single click to mark your location
• Drag to Adjust: Move the pin after placing it
• Coordinate Display: See exact latitude/longitude
• Confirmation Button: Finalize your selection

Best Practice Process

Step 1: Navigate to General Area

1. Start with address search: Enter the closest address to your project
2. Use landmarks if needed: Schools, parks, intersections near your site
3. Zoom to appropriate level: Close enough to see individual properties

Step 2: Identify Your Exact Site

1. Switch to satellite view: Better for identifying land features
2. Look for distinguishing features: Buildings, trees, paths, property lines
3. Zoom in closer: Get as detailed a view as possible
4. Orient yourself: Identify north, south, east, west directions

Step 3: Place the Pin Precisely

1. Click on the center: Place pin in the middle of your project area
2. Adjust if needed: Drag the pin to the exact spot
3. Verify coordinates: Check that latitude/longitude seem reasonable
4. Double-check accuracy: Make sure you're in the right location

Step 4: Confirm and Proceed

1. Final verification: Ensure the pin is exactly where you want it
2. Note the coordinates: Write them down for future reference
3. Confirm selection: Click the confirmation button
4. Proceed to project setup: Continue with basic project information

Troubleshooting Location Issues

Rural or Remote Locations

• Problem: Address search doesn't find exact location
• Solution: Use nearby landmarks, then navigate manually
• Tip: Use GPS coordinates from your phone if you've visited the site

New Developments

• Problem: Satellite imagery is outdated, shows old land use
• Solution: Use property boundaries and known reference points
• Tip: Street view might be more current than satellite view

Large Properties

• Problem: Project covers a huge area, unclear where to place pin
• Solution: Choose the center of the area you'll develop first
• Tip: You can create multiple projects for different areas later

Indoor/Greenhouse Projects

• Problem: Growing inside a building, outdoor location seems irrelevant
• Solution: Use the building location - climate data still matters
• Tip: Local climate affects heating/cooling costs and backup plans

City and Neighborhood Projects

Special Considerations

• Microclimates: Buildings create unique wind and sun patterns
• Air quality: Pollution levels vary significantly by location
• Soil contamination: Urban soils may have contamination issues
• Water access: Municipal water systems and restrictions
• Regulations: City ordinances, HOA rules, permit requirements

Urban Location Tips

• Check property lines: Make sure you're selecting your actual property
• Note surrounding buildings: They affect sun exposure and wind
• Consider elevation: Upper floors have different conditions
• Account for infrastructure: Utilities, drainage, access points

Farm and Country Projects

Special Considerations

• Large scale variations: Different fields may have different soil types
• Water sources: Wells, irrigation systems, natural water bodies
• Wildlife interactions: Deer, birds, and other animals
• Seasonal access: Some areas may be inaccessible in wet weather
• Agricultural regulations: Zoning, conservation programs, organic certification

Rural Location Tips

• Use field boundaries: Natural or artificial divisions in the landscape
• Note water features: Streams, ponds, wetlands on or near the property
• Consider topography: Hills, valleys, and slope variations
• Mark access routes: How will you get equipment and materials to the site?

Shoreline and Waterfront Projects

Special Considerations

• Salt exposure: Ocean spray affects plant selection significantly
• Wind patterns: Coastal winds are stronger and more constant
• Flooding risk: Storm surge, high tides, sea level rise
• Erosion concerns: Shoreline stability and protection needs
• Regulatory restrictions: Coastal zone management, environmental protection

Coastal Location Tips

• Note distance from water: Salt exposure decreases rapidly inland
• Check elevation: Height above high tide mark is critical
• Consider wind direction: Prevailing winds from water to land
• Mark sensitive areas: Dunes, wetlands, protected habitats nearby

Verification Methods

Before Confirming

• Compare with known addresses: Check against nearby street addresses
• Use multiple map views: Switch between satellite, street, and terrain views
• Check coordinates: Latitude/longitude should make sense for your region
• Look for landmarks: Verify nearby buildings, roads, or natural features

After Selection

• Save coordinates: Write down latitude/longitude for future reference
• Take photos: Document the actual site from multiple angles
• Test with AI research: Ask agents about local conditions to verify
• Update if needed: Location can be adjusted in project settings later

Common Technical Problems

Map Won't Load

• Check internet connection: Ensure stable internet
• Try different browser: Some browsers handle maps better
• Disable ad blockers: Sometimes interfere with map services
• Refresh the page: Reload and try again

Search Not Working

• Try different search terms: Use variations of the address
• Use nearby landmarks: Schools, businesses, intersections
• Try coordinates: Use GPS coordinates if available
• Navigate manually: Zoom and pan to find your location

Can't Place Pin Accurately

• Zoom in closer: Get better detail for precise placement
• Switch map views: Satellite vs. street view for better visibility
• Use drag to adjust: Fine-tune pin placement after initial click
• Check coordinates: Verify latitude/longitude are reasonable

Latitude and Longitude

Coordinate Basics

• Latitude: North-south position (positive = north of equator)
• Longitude: East-west position (positive = east of prime meridian)
• Decimal degrees: Most common format (e.g., 40.7128, -74.0060)
• Precision: More decimal places = more precise location

Using GPS Coordinates

• From smartphone: Most phones can provide current GPS coordinates
• From GPS devices: Handheld GPS units for remote locations
• From surveying: Professional surveys provide precise coordinates
• Manual entry: Type coordinates directly into EcoDesign