var map;
var geocoder;
var minZoom = 13; // if a map only gets one marker, it doesn't display right; need to set the minimum zoom level
var startPoint = '1515 Young, 75201'; //this is the initial address serving as the center point when the map first loads or when there is an error
var markersXML = []; // global data to be used in creating the markers (might be able to adjust code so is not necessary)
var markers = [];
var html2_toHere = []; // global array for the html instructions for driving directions to the branch from the patron's location
var html2_fromHere = []; // global array for the html instructions for driving directions from the branch to the patron's location
var html3_toHere = []; // global array for the html instructions for transit directions to the branch from the patron's location
var html3_fromHere = []; // global array for the html instructions for transit directions from the branch to the patron's location
var xmlHttp; // used when we get the lat/long from a branch name
var i; // used for the above arrays