Beta chapter from my upcoming book on Google Maps API v3
I am in the process of writing a book about the new Google Maps API v3. I thought that I would make the process a bit more open by releasing beta chapters that some people might read and give feedback on. Hopefully one of those people is you!
There are two reasons why I am doing this:
- The main reason is that I think the book will be a better one from it.
- The second reason is that I think it can act as a motivation booster for myself to actually finish the book.
About the book
In short the book is about how to use Google Maps API v3. It will teach the basics but also provide tips and tricks about more advanced stuff. It will be very hands on with lots of examples that can be used right away. You can read more about it in the article I’m writing a book about Google Maps.
Download the chapter
I am not going to release the chapters in chronological order so the first chapter to be released in public beta is not the first but rather one in the middle. It is about Markers and is called X Marks the Spot.
Download the chapter, read it, and tell me what you think. Either by posting a comment below or by contacting me directly through the contact page.
X_marks_the_spot-public_beta_1.pdf (791 Kb)
Stay posted
If you want to stay updated with the progress of the book, sign up below.
And just for the record, your email address is safe with me. I will use it for this purpose only. I hate spam as much as you do!
You should also follow me on twitter.
I read through the marker chapter. It looks good! It’s easily readable and the just the right level of detail for me. I recently got my feet wet with the API by cloning Ms. Fox’s many markers example Here’s my helloworld map page based on Ms fox’s example: http://www.core3.com/p11/googleMapWork.php?n=ti You click an name in the upper right corner and it displays the location. I’ve been looking through her code and the maps API. However, it’s great to have things explained in simple terms. For instance, you explained why adding the listener requires a function parameter (instead of variables) to avoid certain behaviors. I never would have figured out that for myself (or it would have taken too much time). I now want to add multiple markers to a map based on data from an XML file or a SQL table which I know is pretty much basic functionality for the maps API. I hope you finish the book. Based on the beta chapter, I’ll buy a copy when it’s released. -Tony
Tony: Thank you so much for the feedback and the encouraging words! I’m very happy that you find that it has the right level of detail!
Good luck with learning the API! You have already come far!
Gabriel — thank you SO MUCH for your amazing GMaps3 API articles, and also for the beta chapter of your book. I can’t wait to buy it! The way you lead into the examples, and your writing style is absolutely brilliant!
Please don’t be shy about letting us all know when the book is coming out; I’ll purchase immediately! And if you need pre-orders, to make finishing easier — sign me up right now. I’ll paypal you!
Again, thank you so much. Your articles and your clear-thinking have helped me a great deal in a silly little GMaps3API project I decided to start working on. I’m a systems guy (Engineer) not a programmer, but your clear-headed lucidity has made my PHP –> Javascript transition a LOT easier.
Thanks again!
-Rick Tait
Hollywood, CA
Rick: Thanks for your feedback! I’m glad that you like it!
I’ll make sure to let you know when it’s ready.
Gabriel,
I am a FileMaker developer, who is trying to build up a map from data in an application i am building. Using the Get method i am transmitting the geodata of the markers and i want to get them into the ‘places’ variable from the example in your chapter. (This was very helpful by the way)
This is where i am running into difficulties:
If i try to do this:
var places=["(51.5340368, 4.4642582),(51.5325215, 4.46487),(51.5335787, 4.4613263)"]
I get a map which is centered around the LatLng that i previously entered in the code, without any markers at all.
If i do this:
var places=[]
//Adding a LatLng object for each playground
places.push(new google.maps.LatLng(51.5340368,4.4642582))
places.push(new google.maps.LatLng(51.5325215,4.4648700))
places.push(new google.maps.LatLng(51.5335787,4.4613263))
I get exactly what i want. What is the difference?
Jan: The difference is that in the first example you create an array that contains one string and in the other example you create an array that contains several LatLng objects which are the only valid objects to define a position in the map.
Good one!
If only I had your book already! Nice chapter. For me as greenhorn at js it seems to fit quite perfect!
In the moment I struggle with how to best load in data (xml or array) and found already browser dependent xml parser. If you have any good example or a link to it, would be great!
How about your book?
Let me stay informed!.
Thanks for your great website and efforts.
Cheers, Martin
I loved the chapter and I would buy the book right now if it were available. The flow was great and included the perfect amount of code an illustration. Looking forward to more!