Google Chart API - Maps New!

Quick update:
Overlaying Google Charts in Google Map (Via KML GeoXML Overlay)
http://mapperz.googlepages.com/chart_overlay.html

Google Charts API - Maps New!

The Google Chart API lets you dynamically generate charts on the fly.


Google Chart API now generates thematic Maps.

From the Google Chart API Group:

"We released a new version of the Google Chart API. It adds many new features that you requested here in this group, for example sparklines, radar charts and thematic maps.

The most important change however is that we removed the limit on the number of requests. This means you can use the Google Chart API without worrying about reaching a limit.

For the documentation about the new features and usage policy please see the updated documentation page: "
http://code.google.com/apis/chart/

The example Chart API Map (above) can be generated with this url.
http://chart.apis.google.com/chart?cht=t&chs=440x220&chd=s:_&chtm=europe&chld=GB&chco=ffffff,edf0d4,13390a%20=GBFR&chd=s:Af9&chf=bg,s,EAF7FE

This would be good if you could overlay kml...
or overlay pie charts (or any other) onto a Google Map.

Other changes to the Chart API

• Text encoding with data scaling New!
• Bar chart zero line New!
• Radar charts New!
• Sparklines New!

• Solid fill Extended!
• Line styles Extended!
• Shape and range markers Extended!
• Required and optional parameters Extended!
• Usage policy Extended!
  

Google 'Static' Maps API

Google 'Static' Maps API

"The Google Static Maps API lets you embed a Google Maps image on your webpage without requiring JavaScript or any dynamic page loading."

Pro's:

1. No Javascript
2. Works on standard webpages
3. Designed for mobile/cell device developers
4. Normal and Mobile Map Types

Con's

1. Limited to only 1000 unique image requests per user per day.
2. Limited function, non interactive
3. GIF-format only
4. Very long urls

Source:
http://googlemapsapi.blogspot.com/2008/02/google-maps-without-scripting.html

OpenSpace API - More Examples Please

OpenSpace API - More Examples Please

15/02/2008
Keep them coming... (and keep asking the OS for 1:25,000 Explorer Mapping!)


http://www.geothings.net/openspace/index.html

blog post
openspace-licences-limits-and-first-steps-plus-demo

OpenSpace API - More Examples Please

A few weeks on from the Ordnance Survey releasing the OpenSpace API there are a few that are taking up the small challenge and using the API to full effect.


Very Clever

http://wheresthepath.googlepages.com/wheresthepath.htm

Note: Spilt screen half OS OpenSpace API and half Google Maps API Aerial imagery and is linked by location (pan and zooom can be enabled)
Blue transparent box shows the extent - switches between the maps.

Another Great Example


Geograph Photos on a OpenSpace Map (v0.2c)
http://openspace.nearby.org.uk/geograph.php
(Please do not use the page to plot locations for Geograph!)

Suggestions to make a better Mapping API - OS 1:25k would complete the set as there is a big jump between 1:50k mapping and 1:10k Streetview mapping.

Note: 1:25k is available on the Get a map service. Then you would be able to plan walking and hiking trips using the OpenSpace API. (1:25k has all public footpaths)
Not asking for 1:10k Rasters or MasterMap but there needs a scale.
There needs to be more Official Examples and better documentation with clear examples.

http://openspace.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/openspace/support.html
maybe and Advanced Section showing users the full potential of what can be done.

Working pages rather than static images with code would also be a helpful guide to newcomers to mapping API's.

Know of another OpenSpace API Map or have another suggestion? Then add yours via the comments.

Note:
"Newcastle-upon-Tyne" needs to be "Newcastle upon Tyne" or you will get an error.

Note:
"There will be a outage today 14th Feburary OpenSpace has a planned downtime from 5-6PM GMT today."

Ordnance Survey - OpenSpace API ( now with Demo)

19/12/2007
update: Found a Demo Page with using OpenSpace API


Image is for illustration only.

On closer inspection there is a lot of content which has been removed at the larger scales.
Live Demo
http://www.maptasm.com/


Ordnance Survey - OpenSpace API (Alpha)



"Got a great idea? Make it work with the best mapping in the world."
(well Great Britain anyways)

"OS OpenSpace is a free Ordnance Survey service that allows you to embed Ordnance Survey maps covering England, Scotland and Wales in your web applications using our Javascript® application programming interface (API)."

Some Functionality :

The OS OpenSpace API and all the data provided is in British National Grid (ESPG 27700).
The API also provides the ability to covert between National Grid and latitude and longitude (ESPG 4326) and vice versa.


OS OpenSpace allows your API key to access up to 30 000 tiles of data and up to 1 000 place name look-ups per day for free

Can you add Ads to the API?
No, please see the OS OpenSpace Developer Agreement (there can be no form of financial gain).
FaceBook, MySpace apps?
No, The application you build cannot result in any financial gain to you (the developer of the application), the user or any other party; please see the OS OpenSpace Developer Agreement .


Note: Any Content you create using the Open Space API - Will not be yours, as it is 'dervived' from Ordance Survey Products.

the ownership and licensing of the copyright and other intellectual property rights in:

* any data supplied to you by us; and
* any data created by you.

Primarily, you cannot use any data you create for any commercial purpose.

No 1:25,000 (Explorer range) or 1:10,000 Rasters


More Information:
The Guardian
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2007/dec/13/freeourdata.software

Ed Parson's (Ex CTO Ordnance Survey) briefly mentions it too
http://www.edparsons.com/


OS OpenSpace is currently running as a closed alpha test service.

OS OpenSpace Developer Agreement is 16 Pages long.

http://openspace.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/openspace/index.html

It's a good step forward, but very restrictive in use.
Hopefully can be developed for Educational and Charity Institutions

At least Microsoft haven't bought them yet.

Stefan Geens writes an excellent roundup of the implications of this API. Removing ads from his site could only run the OpenSpace API on the Ogle Earth site for 12 hours a day due to the amount of traffic it generates.
http://www.ogleearth.com/2007/12/ordnance_survey.html
(But I think he will stick to his current formula with ads.)

ArcWeb Explorer (Beta) 2.0

ArcWeb Explorer (Beta) 2.0
ArcWeb Explorer 2.0 application, which offers powerful Web map rendering with desktop-like functionality.


source: ESRI

The rotating map is a clever bit of code - the text flips (renders) itself when it goes beyond 180 degrees.

ArcWeb Explorer 2.0 Application	ArcWeb Explorer 2.0 Flex API	ArcWeb Explorer 2.0 JavaScript API
Exposes ArcWeb Services functionality through easy-to-use widgets	Enables developers to build and/or customize applications	Offers the use of a powerful subset of ArcWeb Services functionality
Offers the ability to quickly find locations, pan and zoom, and choose a map type	Provides access to all ArcWeb Services	Provides access to ArcWeb Services content
Provides access to street, street tile, aerial imagery, hybrid (integrated street and aerial), shaded relief, and topographic maps	Allows for easy and powerful ArcWeb integration inside Adobe Flex Builder	Enables easy integration of mapping functionality and content into HTML Web applications

NOTE: The Flex API is designed specifically for use within Adobe Flex 2. The JavaScript and Flex APIs are not designed for use within Adobe Flash Professional.
source: ESRI

To use this service you will be required to login in.
ArcWeb 2.0 Home Page


JavaScript Sample


Flex Example

Both have the code generated on the fly - therefore it is faster to get up and running with your own apps and data.

Is this to challenge the likes of Google Maps, Virtual Earth and Yahoo Maps API's?
We will see...

Mapperz

ViaMichelin API Geocodes UK Addresses

ViaMichelin API Geocodes UK Addresses



Works like other Mapping API's out there but is more specific to the European user

This Geocoder Requests a UK address and returns the lat and lng in an 'alert'

Yes a bit manual at present, but if your a dab good at Javascript - you can add the map element request an address and have it return on the map.

ViaMichelin API Map Features:

• Michelin's high quality maps on-line
  
• Driving Directions with 7 types of itinerary : ‘recommended by Michelin’, ‘shortest’, ‘quickest’, ‘economical’, ‘scenic’, ‘on foot’, ‘by bike’.


• Assure a seamless integration with your site’s look and feel by customizing the colour, opacity and stroke width of the itinerary path displayed on the ViaMichelin map.


• A proximity and booking search engine, unique in Europe, integrates over 40,000 hotels


• Checking address and geocoding for exceptional accuracy


• Implemented entirely in JavaScript, a simple, standard technology!

If you like this you can sign up (free) to use this service

Thanks to http://www.renalid.com/ (in French)

More information on the ViaMichelin Blog

(ViaMichelin is a subsidiary of Michelin)

Mapperz

Multimap - Rolls Out API Services to Businesses

Multimap API - Rolls Out new services to businesses

How do you improve a mapping service?
(with over 10 million unique users 190 million page impressions a month)

The API was reported back in February 2007. By Mapperz
http://mapperz.blogspot.com/2007/02/multimap-api-updated
-includes-uk.html

With a few updates and lots of testing of the service, multi-map launch this service.



The Multimap API v.1.2 is routing, mapping, geocoding, using POI data and imagery into a single one-stop mapping service.


One new change - the Map Widget can show how the API can show points of interest of various kinds around a location on a map.
more on this

Summary (there is quiet a bit)

• Mapping - draggable maps with ‘fast fill’ smooth zooming; suite of widgets (including location breadcrumbs, overview map, map tools, zoom slider); custom menus, map interactions and events; custom markers with automatic ‘de-clutter’, tabbed info boxes, dynamic text and icons; and choice of map types (map, aerial imagery*, hybrid*) and styles (local*, global) – (* where available).

• Searching - choice of search modes, including search by radius, location ID, bounding box, donut and driving distance, search along route and non-spatial search; custom result ordering, pagination and display; fuzzy searching (including starts with, ends with, contains, sounds like); and plug-and-play POI data.

• Routing - point-to-point, multiple via points and ‘travelling salesman’ optimization; multi-language directions; multi-modal routing (e.g., drive to here, then walk to here) and avoid specific road types; choice of outputs (text, highlight, ‘expense claim’, summary); enabled for route animation.

• Geocoding - single point of access to Multimap’s full, best-in-class geocoding capability; high-accuracy, high-performance geocoding; and Javascript and HTTP access.

• Local Information - Points of Interest (POI) can be easily displayed on maps, and routed to and from. Multimap provides access to a large range of POI, including schools, transportation, restaurants and bars, ATMs, car parks and more.

“We are proud to offer the latest version of our API service to the industry. Ease and speed of implementation are key considerations driving many businesses to embrace the new service, with the ability to be up and running with a highly interactive, signature site in a matter of hours."
Sean Phelan, founder of Multimap

Source of Press Release: Directions Magazine

Google Map Public Calendars

Google Maps Public Calendars


example
http://www.google.com/calendar/events?q=Marathon
&ql=London&qt=&qtd=&sa=N&page=vl&afp=393d85a865eecf88

A New Feature in Google Calender is to be able to search Public Calenders and Events

"Now you can search the web for events and add them directly to your Google Calendar. Within Google Calendar, type an event search into the search box like "Symphony in San Francisco" and click "Search Public Events". You'll see a list of events that you can easily add to your Google Calendar."

more new features
http://www.google.com/intl/en/googlecalendar/new.html

There is also a Google Calendar API

The Maps for calendar only work when the user has inputted the location of the event.
All Events should have a location, therefore should be mapped.

Source:Mapperz

Though please remember Google Calendar is still Beta.

MultiMap API Updated - Includes UK Geocoding

MultiMap have updated their API (v1.2)
Lots of new features:

• Data Preferences
  
• Options
  
• Context Menu
  
• Decluttering Markers
  
• Polylines and Polygons (mapperz recommended)

New Searching methods:

UK Geocoding

Source: Multimap

* Basic Example (Multiple Locations)
* Spatial Search Example
* Non-spatial Search (Filtering) Example
* Searching by Travel Distance or Duration (mapperz recommended)
Source: Multimap
* Pagination
* Tailoring Search Results
* Compound Search Example
* Performing a Search with a Pre-search
* Combining Features of the Multimap API Searching Module (mapperz recommended)
* Basic Example
* Tailoring Route Outputs mapperz recommended
* Combining Features of the Multimap API Routing Module
* Routing - Searching along Route (mapperz recommended)
Source: Multimap
* Local Information Widget

Mapperz

Mapstraction Goes Testing

A One Stop Testing of all three Mapping API's Google, Yahoo and Microsoft


Mapstraction is a library which provides a common API for Google, Yahoo! and Microsoft's javascript mapping APIs to enable switching from one to another as smoothly as possible. The aim of Mapstraction in mainly to protect companies building commercial products on top of Google Maps from changes to terms and conditions, the introduction of ads, or the emergence of a competing library with better maps, different imagery or preferable licensing terms.

It's in early development at present, so this is alpha.

Looks as it needs a little attention so sites provide more functionality but this seems to be bringing the coding side together. Looks promising, updates here when and how.

This site communicates with Google maps version 2, Yahoo maps version 3 and Virtual Earth version 2 (version 3 soon).

A similar site was blogged by mapperz called rockstarapps.com
(back in 31 October 2006)

Google Earth API

Google Earth API



Not much on this to date but looks promising...


The Google Earth COM API is designed to let third party applications query information from and send commands to the Google Earth software. Through IApplicationGE, external applications can query the current viewport, control the 3D camera, enable, disable, load KML features, traverse features, and more.

Interfacing a 3rd party application with Google Earth through the COM API requires Google Earth to be installed on the machine where one intends to run it. The Google Earth COM interface is registered as part of the installation process.

If, for some reason, the Google Earth COM API needs to be registered again, you can execute GoogleEarth.exe with "/RegServer" as a command line argument.
For instance, assuming GoogleEarth.exe is located in C:\Program Files\Google\Google Earth, the following command line would register Google Earth's COM API:

"C:\Program Files\Google\Google Earth\googleearth.exe" /RegServer

To unregister Google Earth's COM API, execute the following command:

"C:\Program Files\Google\Google Earth\googleearth.exe" /UnregServer

UK Geocoder Goes into Beta

Been tinkering with this on and off with a good programmer, but made the geocoder more efficient and have checked data is not using and copyrighted data sources.

Uses the Geocoder Map
http://gmaps-samples.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/geocoder/singlegeocode.html

worked from the UK example given
http://geo.localsearchmaps.com/?street=48+Leicester+Square&city=London &country=UK
and using that output
map.centerAndZoom(new GPoint(-0.130427, 51.510036), 4);
to centre on a google map.

try it soon.

pending features - icon displaying in the middle with info window display the input address.
get better results up to 95/96% match or nearest point to input address.

quadruple check data source is not crown copyright (have cross-referenced results with address point and they do NOT match).

Google Map Editor - in Alpha (A GIS)

Stefan Blanke has been working on a very sophisticated Google Map Editor


The screenshot does not do the 'Editor' justice as there are many editing functions hidden in the tabs.

The Map Editor use a very up-to-date version of the Google Map API (version 2.68 to the coders)
The includes creating Polygon though not implement (maybe version 2.69 needed)
Very Good work though.

To see editing polygons using that 2.69 version pop over to ESA.
Very good Example of Editing Live on Google Maps.


So how long before Google Maps becomes 'GOOGLE GIS API'?
At this rate "Early 2007"

Another High End Database (Oracle XE) potential is Oracle XE and Google Maps (though we haven't actually seen the map and data working yet - pre Alpha?)

UK Addresses - Geocoded via Google Maps API

22 November
New UK Geocoding Addresses Service in Testing
http://mapperz.blogspot.com/2006/11/mapperz-requests-testers-for-uk.html

Final Update on this hot topic
http://hublog.hubmed.org/archives/001414.html

5pm
UPDATE No.2
For UK Geocoding of UK Postcodes is still possible via the Google AJAX Search
A very good Live example of this is Online Archaeology

1:45:05 pm
Mapperz from the mapperz blog
"Bugga"
1:45pm
Joel from the Google Map API Team
"There are no intended changes to the geocoding API - results in the UK and Japan should still be returning the 603 error code. We're tracking down the change now and hope to resolve it shortly. I'm sorry for the inconvenience!"
12 noon 9th November 2006.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Google Maps API have pulled the plug on UK Geocoding.

(It's all down to Crown Copyright of the Data - Royal Mail and Ordnance Survey)




UK Addresses - Geocoded via Google Maps API


Finally but NOT any offical word on it from the Google Maps API Blog hence no linking URL
(on request only. mapperz@gmail.com subject:UK Geocoding)

but you can tinker with the code on your own webserver:



sorry beta blogger hates html code pasted in.