Probably everyone knows Google Maps and its possibilities but the minority is aware that there is something less complicated; namely Google Static Maps. Some of their features may be a perfect solution for our project.
The Idea
Google Static Maps have to offer maps in the form of individual images; information about a map content is conveyed in URL address of an image. Thanks to this, we can specify a lot of parameters, e.g. images size, elements which have to be found in images.
Advantages
- whole map consists of one image therefore there is no need to worry about additional scripts or CSS styles
- without this script container, a map is lighter and there are no problems with compatibility (e.g. in mobile browsers without JavaScript support) and, as a consequence, we can save some data transfer (it is very important in mobile devices era)
- thanks to some easy tools, there is no need to know API; images can be simply generated
- in the case of Joomla! there is no need to install additional modules/plug ins in order to display an easy map; mod_custom module is enough to do it
- request limit to server is really huge and it should be enough even in more extensive solutions (1000 requests per day for a given IP address)
In short, Google Static Maps is a perfect solution when we want to place a map at our site very quickly or if we want to pay attention to mobile devices users.
Disadvantages
- The main disadvantage is the lack of a map interactivity – if we need a map to scale, move or if we need to roll down a window after clicking on a marker; Google Static Maps is not a solution for us.
- URL address of a map has a restricted length (2048 symbols) which sometimes may make impossible to present all needed content on a map.
- Limits also apply in the case of own images markers placing on a map – in this case it is 4096pixels (64 x 64 px).
Conclusions
Google Static Maps is the best solution when it comes to amount data transferred or if we want to present on a map particular information:
- Show places chosen on a map,
- Illustrate route chosen,
- Mark area specified
Thanks to possibility of creating own maps styles, we can adjust the map’s look to our website very easily.
Useful Links
- http://code.google.com/apis/maps/documentation/staticmaps/ – Google Static Maps API documentation – it includes all information needed as API itself is not so well-developed.
- http://gmaps-samples.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/simplewizard/makestaticmap.html – a simple map generator; useful especially for those who do not have much time to read the documentations and need to generate a map very quickly.
- http://stickiwidgets.com/2010/02/26/widget-tool-to-generate-google-static-maps-with-routes-and-paths/ – other version of static map generator which additionally can be embedded on your own website as a widget.