Google Rolls Out a Second Gen Map API

http://googlemapsapi.blogspot.com/2006/04/google-maps-api-version-2.html

 

Google releases an updated API for mashing online maps. They will slowly transition to the api service, depending on the ease of switching to the new API. I’ll have to check this out more.

 

 

Much smaller JavaScript download. The new Maps API JavaScript file is about half the size of the old JavaScript file, which should improve user experience on your web site.

Two additional satellite zoom levels. Increased imagery resolution and coverage in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Japan, Europe, and almost every major city in the world.

Overview map. Our new GOverviewMapControl control displays an attractive and collapsible map in the corner of the screen.

Extensibility and a new GMap2 class. The GMap2 interface has been redesigned to allow API users to extend it. We now have documented ways of creating custom map controls, custom overlays, and even custom map types.

Fewer memory leaks. The API now includes a GUnload method that you can call in the unload event of your page to destroy most circular references, including those formed implicitly during event registration. On Google Maps, this has virtually eliminated memory leaks in IE.

Debugging log. A simple, floating debug window used internally by the Google Maps engineering team allows you to print debug information easily without blocking program execution or interfering with the UI. Just replace your alert() calls with GLog.write().

Last but not least, a GLatLng class that is distinct from GPoint. You no longer need to reverse your latitude and longitude to construct a geographic point!

Screenshots of VW and Google’s Car Navigation System

Fresh off the telematics wire is WV’s venture with Google to bring you a next GEN Navigation system. I hope they sell this thing outside VW as I am not a big fan of their cars, but this nav system looks to be rocking! We’ll have to see how well it works! 

 

 

 

Update: I thought this was from telematicswire, but it looks to be from automotoportal.com. The scoop on it is here.

 

I am working on building a Carputer. That’s a computer for your car. I will be building it in-dash in my Mustang and I can’t wait to get all the parts, config some software and get started. Is there anyone out there currently that has done this? Any advice or tips would be nice, but I am really excited and will start as soon as the weather breaks. I just hope google releases the above product, and that it doesn’t get branded 100 percent to VW.

 

 

 

Google Mars is the second major project shared by NASA and Google

I’ve been watching this subdomain  for a long time now. This is just great! I love the color coded topography, and infrared, very useful for analyzing the landscape. This is the second of many collaborations between NASA and Google I am hoping. I don’t know if maps of Mars will keep growth strong at Google though.

 

Yahoo raises the bar with their new Maps Beta

Mapquest is officially a thing of yesterday. Now all three giants have their own offering…

 

Http://maps.google.com

http://Virtualearth.msn.com and now

http://maps.yahoo.com/beta/

 

Give it a try, very impressive.