User interface tweaks
Since the maps have ‘gone global‘ the loading and display time of the page has increased dramatically. This is because there is more data to download, and more repository markers for your browser to display. This can cause a 5 to 10 second delay from when the page has loaded, to when the markers are displayed. To help overcome modern-man’s low boredom threshold, there is a now a little loading sign with animated graphic. It shows when the data is being loaded, and then when the map points are being drawn.
Another natural side effect of having more repository markers on the screen is that it is harder to find the repository that you want when zoomed out. The answer to this has been the addition of ‘tool tips’. When you put your mouse over a repository marker it now gives the name of the repository so that you can ensure you have the correct repository before clicking on it.