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PuzzleMap™ Help

Desktop:  PuzzleMaps are easier to solve with a keyboard and a mouse.  This allows you rotate individual pieces with the left and right arrow keys while dragging them around.  You can also zoom in and out with the mousewheel at the same time.  Alternatively, you can use the mouse to rotate pieces with the "handle" that is displayed when they are selected.

Mobile:  On touchscreens, each piece also displays a "halo" when it is selected.  Dragging the halo enables you to see the piece while you are moving it with your finger.  To rotate a piece, touch its handle and slide your finger out to the edge of the halo.  The end of the handle should be white which enables you to then rotate the entire halo.

Scoring:  When a piece is released in its correct position, it will become transparent and expose the basemap underneath.  Points are awarded each time a piece is solved, and the smaller the piece the more it's worth.  If a piece is released in the the wrong position, it will remain selected.  Points are deducted if it is released where another piece belongs (in other words, over an unfinished area of the puzzle).  The larger the piece, the greater the deduction.  There is no clock so you have plenty of time to study the map, read the clues and change your mind.  1000 is a perfect score.

Piece Index:  The 3-dot menu lists all the pieces in the puzzle.  Selecting a piece in the list also selects it on the map.  This is a convenient way to find any that might appear to be missing.  When a piece is solved, it will be listed in italics.  The puzzle is not complete until every piece is italicized.

Tips:  Sorting pieces by their probable location is a useful technique.  For example, arranging all of the "tiny" US states along the east coast will help keep them in view when the map is zoomed in for a closer look.  Rotating pieces into their proper orientation before fitting them also helps.  PuzzleMap already knows about any square or rectangular pieces that could fit more than one way.  You have to get them in the right place, of course, but any visually correct orientation is acceptable.

When the last piece is correctly placed, you will have seveal options including "Review Solution."  This opton allows you to study the finished puzzle and select any of its pieces.  Familiarize yourself with the shape, name and clues of any that gave you trouble.  Then select "Retry Puzzle" from the option menu and test yourself again!