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Getting Started

This guide takes you from opening the app to your first claim. The whole process takes about five minutes.

Prerequisites​

  • A modern desktop browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Brave recommended).
  • Testnet SUI from the faucet if you want to register or buy. You do not need a wallet to explore.

Before You Begin​

Step 1: Connect Your Wallet When Ready​

You can explore merca.earth without a wallet. Connect only when you want to register, buy, or collect.

Open merca.earth. In the top-right corner, click the wallet button.

If you have a Sui wallet installed (Sui Wallet, Suiet, or MetaMask with the Sui Snap), choose "Wallet Extensions" and approve the connection in your extension popup.

On mobile, the app detects your environment and shows available sign-in methods automatically.

No wallet needed to explore

You do not need a wallet to explore the map or draw a shape. A connected wallet is only required to submit a registration transaction.

For wallet options and troubleshooting, see the Wallet Setup → Connection Methods page.

Step 2: Explore the Map​

The app loads a full-screen interactive map. Registered parcels appear as colored polygons layered on the base map.

  • Hierarchy breadcrumbs at the top show the current level (Continents, Countries, Districts, Parcels). The map switches levels automatically as you zoom.
  • Click any parcel to open its detail card showing owner address, current price, area, and the owner's visual layer (name, description, artwork).
  • Zoom and pan freely. The app centers on your approximate location on first load, but you can navigate anywhere.

Every colored shape on the map is an on-chain parcel behind a claim that stays contestable at its current protocol price plus premium.

For more about map navigation and hierarchy levels, see Exploring the Map → Hierarchy Levels.

Step 3: Draw Your First Parcel​

When you are ready to claim land:

  1. Click "Draw New Parcel" in the top center bar (the label changes with the active hierarchy level — it might say "Draw New District" or similar).
  2. The cursor changes to a crosshair. Click on the map to place vertices one by one.
  3. As you place points, the app shows a live preview of the shape, its area, and an estimated registration cost.
  4. Drag any vertex to adjust its position. The area and price estimate update in real time.
  5. If your shape overlaps an existing parcel or has invalid geometry, the app highlights the problem with a warning.
Tips for a clean shape
  • You need at least three vertices.
  • Keep lines from crossing — the app flags self-intersecting geometry.
  • Vertices near an existing parcel boundary snap to that boundary, helping you draw parcels that fit together without gaps.

When you are happy with the shape, click "Complete".

Step 4: Register On-Chain​

After clicking Complete, the app builds an integer-geometry representation of your shape and shows a registration card:

  • Area and perimeter of the final shape.
  • Total price broken into base price, treasury fee, and hierarchy pool contribution.
  • The hierarchy level for registration.

Review the details, then:

  1. Click "Register". If you have not connected a wallet, the app prompts you to sign in first, then submits automatically.
  2. Your wallet asks you to approve the transaction and SUI payment.
  3. Wait a few seconds for on-chain confirmation. The app shows a step indicator during the process.

Once the transaction succeeds, your parcel appears on the map tied to your address. You now control that claim and its visual layer under the current contest rules.

Transaction failures

If the transaction fails, the app explains what went wrong (overlap detected, insufficient balance, etc.). A failed transaction still consumes a small amount of gas. Adjust the shape and try again — your draft is preserved.

What's Next​

Now that you control a claim:

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