Interactive Mapping APIs MDIT Center for Shared Solutions

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 • Java. Script • 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. Script • • 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 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 Java. Script or map data integration from the Spatial Warehouse

Samples and Tools • Convert addresses to coordinates • Geo. Coder Tool • CSS Services • Examples of using Google Maps in the CMA • e. Michigan Samples

Thank You John S Clark