Searching and Matching
There is more than one map in FinderHelper
The main Items Nearby map, group maps, and Potential Matches map all work a little differently. This guide explains clusters, item pins, details, group filters, exact claims, and what happens after a match is finished.
Main map: browse what is nearby
- Open the main map tab to see clusters and item pins.
- Tap a cluster or pin to open the vertical gallery.
- Use Details to view more information such as item type, status, and group when available.
- The total item count badge appears at the bottom-right of the map.
9
5
Total items
Group filters on the main map
If you select one or more groups from the filter control, the map should show only matching group items. If you open a filtered cluster or pin, FinderHelper should show real matching items instead of an empty result.
- Use group filters when you only want school, club, or event-specific items.
- Group-filtered views still support clusters, details, and total counts.
- If an item belongs to a group, the Group value should appear in details.
Potential Matches from Your Items
- Open Your Items.
- Select a lost item and open Potential Matches.
- Review candidates on the match map.
- Tap a result to open the gallery and then Details or Message.
The total matches badge appears at the bottom-right of the Potential Matches map.
Exact vs Nearby in matching
Nearby
Broader area matching
- Useful when the item could have moved around an area.
- May surface more possible results to review.
- Better when privacy or uncertainty matters.
Exact
High-confidence matching
- Used when the item and reported location line up more precisely.
- Supports stronger claim flows when the right item is found.
- Can prompt faster follow-up and return.
Claiming an exact item
- Open an exact match.
- Tap Claim.
- Confirm the action in the claim modal.
- If FinderHelper offers a thank-you note, you can leave one before the flow closes.
After a claim is complete, FinderHelper should return the user to the normal app flow instead of leaving them stuck inside a match map.
Good to know: The map detail screens, group maps, and Potential Matches now all try to show the related group name when that item belongs to a group.
Groups map
- Open a group and tap Map to browse items attached to that group.
- Tap clusters or pins to open the gallery, then open details.
- The details view should include the group label and value if the item belongs to the current group.