You may have heard that google released its google maps api. This means that you can now do all sorts of fun things with plotting your own points on google maps.
There are a number of ways you can get the google maps code to display points. One way is including coordinates directly in the code:
And the other is nifty, because you can get the code to read an XML file:
Now, neither of the above are rather exciting, although the first has a handy box with the address info and a link. My goals are to use something like this on my library’s site for directional info.
The second example has all kinds of potential. For my own geeky pleasure I’m going to look into using GPX (GPS Exchange) to plot out the waypoints of climbs/hikes/rides I’ve done.
A more practical purpose will be finally be creating a (reliable) map interface to our Western Springs History website, giving users a spatial representation of where the houses are.
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But, of course, they might slap on ads that a library might prefer not to have on its site. “Google reserves the right to include advertising in the maps images provided to You through the Service at any time and without notice, and by agreeing to the Terms of Use, You agree to display those advertisements as provided to You through the Service without modification.”
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[...] Many moons ago I posted about some library fun with google maps API. I’ve finally made some time to add data into the map I had for the Western Springs History (for which I also chose a new Wordpress theme). Take a look at the Western Springs History interactive map, and if you like it, here some code. Libraries could use something like this to display the location of the building/s, or maybe just map out the best places to eat around the library. [...]