Google Maps
What is Google Map API
The Google Maps API lets you embed Google Maps in your own web pages with JavaScript. The API provides a number of utilities for manipulating maps and adding content to the map through a variety of services, allowing you to create robust maps applications on your website.
This free service offers UK wide aerial photography, road networks and the ability to overlay geographical information. When used in conjunction with ESRI ArcMap the Google API offers an interactive media which is widely used and requires no additional plugin's.
Real World Applications
Google Earth API
In July 2008 we worked with SEEDA to build a virtual model of its newly aquired site, Daedalus. Land at Daedalus, a former MoD site based at Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire, has was acquired to provide a unique and exciting opportunity for a sustainable, high quality mixed-use development with potentially far-reaching benefits for the Solent area.
Daedalus has is currently not open to the public as it is a working airport and industrial site therefore a virtual model of the current site will offer a unique opportunity for the community to visit.
Working with the newly released Google Earth API we built a photo realistic model of the current site which is assessable through a web browser , reducing the need for the desktop Google Earth program. To view the 3D model and take a tour visit our website Virtual Daedalus.
Google Map API
In collaboration with the Community Spaces Project we have created a custom Google Map to present GIS information to the public regarding the locations of the projects which have been awarded funding.
Our brief was to streamline the process of capturing data in a content management program, georeferencing funded projects using ESRI ArcMap and exporting the combined information to our custom Google Map. The final product is an embedable map which allows users to find their nearest funded project, view a short overview of the project and links to project website's.
This site will go live in the near future, watch this space for a line to the application in action.
The web solution is also capable of capturing user created data as point, lines or polygons which can be exported back into ESRI ArcMap. The functionality is currently being trailed in web base community consultations.
