Limit the number of pins to show on the map
This option helps improve site speed by limiting how many property pins are loaded on the map at one time.
This is useful when the site has many properties, because loading all pins at once can slow down the map and the page.
Learn more about performance recommendations here:
Speed Tips
Map pins vs property list results
The map pins and the property list are connected, but they are controlled by different settings.
The Maximum number of pins to show on the map option controls how many pins can load on the map.
The number of properties shown in the list is controlled by the properties per page and pagination settings used for property lists and search results.
For more details about how the Advanced Search Results page list works, see:
Search Results Page Standard Layout
| Element | What controls it |
|---|---|
| Map pins | The Maximum number of pins to show on the map setting, the page type, and the Use file reading for pins? option. |
| Property list results | The number of properties per page and pagination settings from Theme Options. |
| Search Results page list | The properties that match the search criteria, displayed according to the list pagination. |
| Half Map list | The properties available for the current page or current map view, depending on the Half Map settings. |
If the site has more matching properties than the number allowed per page, the remaining properties will show when changing pagination.
How this option works
In Theme Options → Map Configuration, you can set the maximum number of pins that should load on map pages.
For example, if you set the value to 30, the map will usually load up to 30 pins, depending on the page type and the Use file reading for pins? setting.
This does not automatically mean the list will show 30 properties. The property list follows the list and pagination settings.
Choose a number that works well with your hosting resources and the number of listings on your site.
Use file reading for pins?
This option controls how map pins are loaded.
Recommended setting: Yes, especially if you have more than 200 listings.
When this option is enabled, the theme reads the pins from generated files instead of loading them directly through MySQL queries. This can improve map performance on larger websites.
Important: When using file reading, make sure the pins are generated from Generate Data & Pins after making listing or map-related changes.
How the pin limit works in practice
The pin limit can behave differently depending on whether file reading for pins is enabled or disabled.
Scenario A: Use file reading for pins = No
When file reading is disabled, the pin limit applies to the following areas:
| Page or map type | Result |
|---|---|
| Header Google Maps, homepage, or global header media | Shows the number of pins set in Theme Options. |
| Property List Standard with Header Map | Shows the number of pins set in Theme Options per page. |
| Property List Half Map | Shows the number of pins set in Theme Options per page. |
| Taxonomy pages, such as Category, Action, City, or Area | Shows the number of pins set in Theme Options per page. |
| Search Results, standard or half map layout | Shows pins only for the current page results. |
Note: When using sort filters in the standard list layout, the map pins do not update automatically. This happens because AJAX pagination replaces the page content without refreshing the map.
Scenario B: Use file reading for pins = Yes
When file reading is enabled, the pin limit applies to the following areas:
| Page or map type | Result |
|---|---|
| Property List Standard with Header Map | Shows the number of pins set in Theme Options per page. |
| Property List Half Map | Shows the number of pins set in Theme Options per page. |
| Taxonomy pages, list or half map layout | Shows the number of pins set in Theme Options per page. |
| Search Results, standard or half map layout | Shows pins for the current search page. |
Important difference: When Use file reading for pins? is enabled, Header Google Maps used as global header media will show all pins, regardless of the maximum pin limit set in Theme Options.
Generate the pins from Generate Data & Pins
After enabling file reading for pins, or after making changes to listings, locations, or map settings, go to Generate Data & Pins and regenerate the pins.
This step makes sure the map uses the latest property data.
Summary
The map pin limit controls how many pins are loaded on the map.
The property list controls how many properties are shown in the list, based on the list settings and pagination.
On search results pages, the map usually shows pins for the properties available on the current results page. If there are more matching properties, they will show when using pagination.
If file reading for pins is enabled, pins are loaded from generated files for better performance. In this case, remember to regenerate the pins whenever listing or map data changes.