Google Maps API
After tons of unofficial hacks, Google has finally embraced the interest in Google Maps and released a public API! The announcement came yesterday, along with the immediate availability of the Google Maps API.
Quite frankly, I can’t wait to dig into Google Maps and come up with some cool ways of using it. You must register for a subscriber ID, similar to other Google services, but after that, it’s a free-for-all of functionality. I know Google is on their way to becoming the next Microsoft, but on the way they’re really making the Web an exciting place to live, learn, and develop through the publishing of their APIs. Go Google!
Disclaimer: Any viewpoints and opinions expressed in this article are those of Nicholas C. Zakas and do not, in any way, reflect those of my employer, my colleagues, Wrox Publishing, O'Reilly Publishing, or anyone else. I speak only for myself, not for them.
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3 Comments
Bill Thompson discusses Google Map API on the BBC site http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4640893.stm and he raises some valid points which I agree with. I hope this isn't another common business model of reeling you in to later charge for the service. However I too will be looking forward to playing with it
Peter Hawkes on July 1st, 2005 at 8:06 am
Yeah, there's always the possibility that Google will try to turn this into a money-making venture (as they suggest by saying they reserve the right to add in advertisements later). However, I think we should take it for what it is now with an eye towards removing it if necessary in the future.
Nicholas C. Zakas on July 1st, 2005 at 11:10 am
Check out a great Google Maps implementation at http://www.gympost.com/gymsearch/map.php. It uses XML, AJAX, and some other advanced features supported by the API.
Ryan on November 27th, 2005 at 4:04 pm
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