RevolverMaps Technology Intelligence

What is RevolverMaps?

RevolverMaps is a real-time visitor tracking and visualization service that displays website visitors on an interactive 3D globe. The service provides embeddable widgets showing where your website traffic originates, creating an engaging visual representation of your global audience.

RevolverMaps combines web analytics with visual appeal, offering 3D globe widgets, 2D maps, and various badge styles that website owners embed to show visitor locations. Unlike traditional analytics tools that present data in tables and charts, RevolverMaps creates an immediately understandable geographic visualization that works as both an analytics tool and a design element.

Features

Widget Types

• 3D Globe: Rotating Earth with real-time visitor pins
• Flat Map: 2D world map with location markers
• Live Counter: Animated visitor count badges
• Cluster Map: Heat-style clustering of visitor density
• Flags: Country flag displays for recent visitors

Visualization

• Real-Time Updates: New visitors appear as they arrive
• Animation: Globe rotation and marker animations
• Customization: Colors, sizes, and display options
• Pin Trails: Show visitor paths and recent activity

Statistics

• Visitor Count: Total and time-based visitor counts
• Location Data: Country, city, and approximate coordinates
• History: Track visitor patterns over time
• Dashboard: Web-based statistics dashboard

Technical

• JavaScript embed code
• Responsive sizing options
• HTTPS support
• No server-side code required

Use Cases

Personal Blogs

Bloggers add RevolverMaps widgets to sidebars, creating visual interest while showing readers the global reach of their content. The spinning globe adds dynamic movement to static blog layouts.

Portfolio Websites

Freelancers and agencies display RevolverMaps to demonstrate international client reach. A globe with pins across multiple countries serves as social proof of global experience.

Community Sites

Forums and community websites show member geographic distribution. Visitors see they're part of a worldwide community, encouraging participation.

Educational Sites

Schools and educational projects use RevolverMaps to show students the global reach of their work. Seeing international visitors provides motivation and real-world connection.

Event Websites

Conference and event sites display attendee locations leading up to events. The visualization builds anticipation and shows event reach.

Nonprofit Organizations

Charities and NGOs demonstrate global support and awareness. Donors see their contributions are part of an international effort.

Implementation

3D Globe Widget

<!-- RevolverMaps 3D Globe -->
<script type="text/javascript" src="//rf.revolvermaps.com/0/0/8.js?i=YOUR_MAP_ID&m=0&c=ff0000&cr1=ffffff&f=arial&l=33" async="async"></script>

<!-- Parameters explained:
    i = Your unique map ID
    m = Map type (0=globe)
    c = Pin color (hex without #)
    cr1 = Secondary color
    f = Font family
    l = Size parameter
-->

Flat Map Widget

<!-- RevolverMaps Flat World Map -->
<script type="text/javascript" src="//rf.revolvermaps.com/0/0/7.js?i=YOUR_MAP_ID&m=0&c=baff00&cr1=ff0000&br=6&ds=0" async="async"></script>

Live Counter Badge

<!-- Real-time visitor counter -->
<script type="text/javascript" src="//rf.revolvermaps.com/0/0/4.js?i=YOUR_MAP_ID&s=220&m=0&v=true&c=ff0000&r=true" async="async"></script>

WordPress Integration

// Add to sidebar widget using Custom HTML widget
// Or add to theme's sidebar.php

function add_revolvermaps() {
    echo '<div class="revolvermaps-widget">';
    echo '<script type="text/javascript" src="//rf.revolvermaps.com/0/0/8.js?i=YOUR_MAP_ID&m=0&c=ff0000" async="async"></script>';
    echo '</div>';
}
add_action('wp_footer', 'add_revolvermaps');

Responsive Container

.revolvermaps-widget {
    width: 100%;
    max-width: 300px;
    margin: 20px auto;
}

@media (max-width: 768px) {
    .revolvermaps-widget {
        max-width: 200px;
    }
}

Benefits and Considerations

Benefits

• Free Tier: Basic widgets available at no cost
• Easy Setup: Copy-paste embed code, no coding required
• Visual Appeal: Engaging 3D animations attract attention
• Real-Time: Live updates as visitors arrive
• Global View: Immediate understanding of audience geography
• Social Proof: Demonstrates reach to visitors

Considerations

• External Dependency: Relies on RevolverMaps servers
• Privacy: Visitor IP geolocation may have privacy implications
• Performance: 3D globe uses browser resources
• Accuracy: Location based on IP geolocation (approximate)
• Third-party Cookies: May require cookie consent notice

GDPR Considerations

RevolverMaps processes visitor IP addresses for geolocation. Under GDPR, inform visitors about this tracking and obtain consent if required in your jurisdiction.

Alternatives

• Google Analytics: More comprehensive but less visual
• Clustrmaps: Similar visitor map service
• Flag Counter: Simpler flag-based display
• Custom Solution: Build with mapping library and analytics

Best Practices

• Choose appropriate size for your layout
• Match colors to your site's design
• Consider mobile performance with complex widgets
• Include in privacy policy