Map Open Data with Google Fusion Tables

Map Open Data with Google Fusion Tables

With all the Open Data coming online is it easy to take for granted what can be done with it.
But the fact is a file that holds location-al information is great but even better with a map.

Example

Presentation of the Bridge Height data from Warwickshire County Council in a visual map shows a much more valuable way to deliver the information. proving that the information behind the markers is more important.

source data:
http://opendata.warwickshire.gov.uk/datasets/bridge-height-restrictions
(xls file saved as a csv and uploaded to fusion tables)

Note: Easting and Northings [UK Grid Reference]- quick conversion to latitude and longitude with a slight offset.
Offsetting the marker makes it easier for the user to identify the location of the bridge in this case.



load into google fusion tables
http://tables.googlelabs.com/DataSource?snapid=57803
map
http://tables.googlelabs.com/DataSource?snapid=57802

Then the final Map is just wrapped
in an iframe an offset has been included with bridge locations
done so not to obscure marker data and table information

Final map Zoom in and select Satellite MapType to see the offset markers next to the bridge
http://mapperz.110mb.com/GMAP/warkwickshire_bridges.html

Important Note to Local Authorities
would be good if all the county/metropolitan councils could get this data ready like this!

Google Fusion Maps - February 2010 Update

Google Fusion [Tables] Maps - February 2010 Update - More Powerful

An Interesting update here in a previous blog post
Note: Suggestions, would be nice to be able to overlay the thematic map [based in flash] over the Google Map (or creating gpolygons). Sharing with the option of embedding and link to would be convenient.

Well seems like this service has improved:
How?

• Some new features that will let you upload and map large amounts of geographic data.
• You can also now hide and show different data depending on your own criteria.
• Create Custom HeatMaps with your own data.
• You Do NOT need to be a Developer.
• Embed Your Map to your website or blog.
  

Google LatLong Blog has a great example of the new power (without being a developer)

Go from the this table of Bike Tracks.. http://tables.googlelabs.com/DataSource?dsrcid=11310

to a nice bike tracks map with routes and altitude on a map with little or no programming.


Points are displayed at small scales but zoom in and routes of bike tracks are displayed very fast on the map Note: Goto 'Visualize >Map
http://tables.googlelabs.com/DataSource?dsrcid=132848

http://www.mtbguru.com/ is responsible for this first example using this method, mapperz highly recommends readers to look at the blog post: http://blog.mtbguru.com/2010/02/24/mtbguru-tracks-as-seen-through-google-fusion-tables/
which goes through the motions clearly on how to do this. Then you can try it with your own datasets.

Create Heatmaps

You can even create Heat Maps simply with your own data.

A great way to get started on mapping your own data.

Embed the Map:


(for the coders)

Using iframe
iframe width="500px" height="300px" scrolling="no" src="http://tables.googlelabs.com/embedviz
viz=MAP&q=select%20col0,col1,col2,col3,col4,

col5,col6,col7,col8,col9,col10,col11

%20from%20132848%20where%20col11%20%3E%20'70'&h

=false&lat=49.85392252759648

&lng=14.85626220703125&z=9&l=col10"/iframe

Under the hood:

http://maps.google.com/maps?gwt=1&file=api

&client=google-fusiontables&sensor=false&v=2.x">

var map = new GMap2(document.getElementById("map_canvas"));
map.setCenter(new google.maps.LatLng(49.98,14.88),9);
var l = new GLayer("span style="font-weight: bold;">ft:132848"); 

<< style="font-weight: bold;">select+col10+from++132848/span"); 

Select column 10 from fusion table ID

map.addOverlay(l);
map.setUIToDefault();
map.addControl(new GMapTypeControl());
map.addControl(new GLargeMapControl());
map.addMapType(G_PHYSICAL_MAP);

Source and More details on http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2010/02/mapping-your-data-with-google-fusion.html
credit to http://www.mtbguru.com/