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Explore the benefits of using interactive mapping API's to provide directions, display geographic data, and create interactive maps. Discover the major API's available and learn how to use them effectively.
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Interactive Mapping API’s MDIT - Center for Shared Solutions
Why do you need mapping? • I need to tell people where we are. • I need to give people directions to a conference or meeting. • I need to have an interactive map and show other services in the area. • I need to display geographic data or characteristics. • I just need to see a map.
How can maps help • Maps are a visual representation of geographic areas. • Maps show roads for traveling • Maps can have data linked to them • Maps can show geographic features like rivers, streams, trails • Maps can be interactive.
How are maps delivered • Maps can be printed on paper or be in a book • Maps can be drawn electronically to illustrate a detour or provide directions • Maps can be generated on the fly by online mapping services like Google and Mapquest
How to use maps • Distribution of paper maps is great for the motorist. • MDOT sends out free transportation maps every year on request. • Interactive online maps are really great to find start to end directions or to view an overview of specific geographic area.
Major Map API’s • Google Maps • http://code.google.com/apis/maps/ • Virtual Earth • http://dev.live.com/virtualearth/ • Map Quest • http://developer.mapquest.com/home • Yahoo Maps • http://developer.yahoo.com/maps/
How the API’s work • JavaScript • Add a reference to the API in the HTML document via script tags • The actual client script block has a very small foot print of only a few lines of code • Used to create the interface and client interactions • Sends requests to mapping server and processes the responses • Can be disabled by the client which can cause mapping to fail or not function
Terms of Use • “Read them” and ensure that your intended use is not in violation with the licensing • Check for Government use exceptions • Look for limitations on the number of transactions • Make sure that you can meet the rules for the API’s branding
API Restrictions for Governement • Virtual Earth (Microsoft) • Must enter into a separate MWS/VE agreement • http://www.microsoft.com/virtualearth/product/terms.html • Map Quest, Yahoo Maps, Google Maps • No explicit statement prohibiting government use but suggest requesting written confirmation • Each of these sites reserved the right to charge fees and show advertising
Center for Shared Solutions • Custom Mapping Applications • .Net, Java, JavaScript • http://www.michigan.gov/drive • http://www.mcgi.state.mi.us/miswims • http://mcgiqa.mcgi.state.mi.us/ws_home • http://mcgiqa.mcgi.state.mi.us/puremi • Spatial Data • Development, warehousing, analysis, conversion
CSS Map API Thoughts • Evaluated Google Maps and Virtual Earth • Both are comparable for content an capability but there are differences • Google Maps wasn’t always free • There are also limitations on geocodes (15,000) and requirements to notify if transactions will exceed 500,000 in a day • Virtual Earth (Microsoft) enterprise license • All local jurisdictions would be able to use it
Mapping in the CMA • Choose one API for mapping • This will provide users with the same map experience wherever they go in the CMA • Make sure this API adheres to the policies of Michigan.gov • Use the API developer site to build the map scripting for your specific task • CSS could help provide support with complex JavaScript or map data integration from the Spatial Warehouse
Samples and Tools • Convert addresses to coordinates • GeoCoder Tool • CSS Services • Examples of using Google Maps in the CMA • eMichigan Samples
Thank You John S Clark