When I tap the map (by map I mean the map the character walks on – the ground), it glows a bit.
What happens when I click the map? Is it just an visual effect or does it cause anything else?
Pokemon-go – What happens when I tap the map
pokemon-go
Related Solutions
The bar above a Pokemon represents their CP in a relative range, for that specific species.
The lower end of this bar represents some (still unknown) minimum value for a single species. The higher end of this bar represents the maximum CP this Pokemon can have at your current Trainer level.
For example, Rattatas are rather weak, therefore their CP range is a lot smaller than that of a Drowzee, which explains the bar difference you are seeing.
You may fill the bar up by training your Pokemon. Note that absolutely nothing happens to the Pokemon when you fill the bar -- you've just reached the Pokemon's current CP cap.
The different colours you see are different "environments". To quote the Pokemon GO FAQ:
Some wild Pokémon appear only in certain environments and climates. For example, some Pokémon may appear only near lakes, oceans, or other bodies of water
"Environments" are based off GPS maps, and are somewhat accurate to the real world. You should expect to see water where there should be a lake, and grass where there should be grass. Buildings appear to always show up as grass. Also consider that it will not be 100% accurate; in the screenshot, above, the 'water' is actually a children's playground.
As a side note, if you stay in the same area for a while, the ground appears to slowly turn grey and patchy. From my observations, these are 'dry areas'. They show up if you are in the area for a long time, and Pokemon generally do not spawn when you are standing on them.
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Best Answer
The visual effect is what we refer to in the industry as "feedback". It is a way of confirming input, where other elements in play may not.
If you tap on an object such as a pokémon or a pokéstop, and you see that effect, it means that the game has not registered your input on an object. Instead, it has interpreted your tap as being on vacant ground.
Apart from that, the effect has no other function.