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Map Scripting 101
An Example-Driven Guide to Building Interactive Maps with Bing, Yahoo!, and Google Maps
by Adam DuVander

August 2010, 376 pp.
ISBN: 978-1-59327-271-5

Websites like MapQuest and Google Maps have transformed the way we think about maps. But these services do more than offer driving directions—they provide APIs that web developers can use to build highly customized map-based applications.

In Map Scripting 101, author Adam DuVander delivers 73 immediately useful scripts that will show you how to create interactive maps and mashups. You'll build tools like a local concert tracker, a real-time weather map, a Twitter friend-finder, an annotated map of Central Park, and much more. And because the book is based on the cross-platform Mapstraction JavaScript library, everything you create will be able to use nearly any mapping service, including OpenStreetMap, MapQuest, Google, Yahoo!, and Bing.

You'll also learn how to:

  • Create, embed, and manipulate basic maps by setting zoom levels and map boundaries
  • Show, hide, and filter location markers and info-bubbles
  • Customize your maps for visitors based on their location
  • Use common data formats like GPS XML, Google Earth's KML, and GeoRSS
  • Create graphical overlays on maps to better analyze data and trends
  • Use freely available geodata from websites like Yelp and Upcoming—and public domain geodata from the US government

Map Scripting 101 is perfect for any web developer getting started with map scripting, whether you want to track earthquakes around the world, or just mark the best coffee shops in Dubuque.

About the Author

Adam DuVander writes about geolocation, web development, and APIs for Programmable Web and WebMonkey, Wired.com's web developer resource. He has presented his work at SXSW and O'Reilly's Where 2.0 conference. He lives at 45° 33' 25" N, 122° 31' 55" W (otherwise known as Portland, Oregon).

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Mapping Basics
Chapter 2: Plotting Markers and Message Boxes
Chapter 3: Geocoding
Chapter 4: Layer It On
Chapter 5: Events
Chapter 6: Explore Proximity
Chapter 7: User Location
Chapter 8: Geodata Formats
Chapter 9: Go Server-side with PHP and MySQL
Chapter 10: Mashup Projects
Appendix A: Introduction to Javascript
Appendix B: Mapstraction Reference

View the detailed Table of Contents (PDF).

View the Index (PDF).

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Reviews

"I can't think of a better resource for map scripting and development than this book."
—Designorati (Read More)

"Personalize Your Map with a Custom Map Marker," a tutorial from Webmonkey based on Map Scripting 101. Read the tutorial here.

"Map Scripting 101 opens up a plethora of opportunities and ideas for integrating geo-information that you may have never considered. The best part is that you'll be learning from a true master of the art."
—MacDirectory (Read More)

“If you work with Google Maps or Bing Maps then this script reference is something that should be open and on your desk!”
—eSource Development (Read More)

“Although it concentrates on the Mapstraction library, the intermediate and more advanced chapters include useful ‘how to’ information that is applicable to any JavaScript web mapping application.”
—Richard Marsden, GeoWebGuru.com (Read More)

"The book is very accessible for beginners and even intermediates who might want to get more familiar with Mapscraction. Adam should be very proud of his book as I think he's done a superb job on it."
—James Fee GIS Blog (Read More)

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