I guess most of people today already heard about Google’s service Google Maps, it is one
of the most popular mapping service available on Internet. Google Maps API (Application Interface Programming) is also the most popular API over Internet, there are web applications and sites which are combining data or functionality from two or more sources with a map – mashups. As the title says this book is for the developers who wants to learn the basics or getting started with Google Maps API 3.
The book is generally very well organized. After some information of book and author itself we can start to dig into world of Google Maps API 3. Gabriel, the author, firstly introduces the subject of book – Google Maps API, and some interesting numbers related to it which he collected from Internet. Then comes right away Chapter 2 how to transfer API from version 2 to 3. Chapter 3 describes how to setup a map, and Chapter 4 explains how to take map further with MapOptions. Following Chapters 5 and 6 describes markers and how can be markers customized. How to create a InfoWindow is in Chapter 7, and Polylines and Polygons are covered by Chapter 8. Last two Chapters are introducing some really nasty things how can be used, like how to deal with large number of markers and some geolocating. Oh, and the appendix with API Reference at the end is super useful stuff!
Now to mention some parts of book which I really liked. Right on beginning in Chapter 1 I found very good the short description what is Google Maps API, what brings the new version 3, and reviewed some mapping fundamentals – this is something very useful for beginners. Chapter 3 will introduce you basic structures of XHTML pages which is used later for implementing code examples, how to insert reference to the Google Maps API, some JavaScript basics which I think is also very good and gives with it a very complete chapter, and at the end of chapter you’ll set up the map. In Chapter 4 I found good the really detailed description of MapOptions, how to add controls to user interface, how to change control styles, how to control map container, and how to control map settings with methods. It’s all there what you have to know as beginner about MapOptions. There is a lot interesting information and examples about markers, beside how to put standard google markers (you know, the one which look like pins) in Chapter 6 is explained how can create your own – custom markers with images of your choice. Also there is lot more explained about markers, how to define it’s clickable area, how to use sprites with it, so it’s a very well covered topic. Chapter 9 has an interesting topic – how to show massive number of markers on your map. This isn’t directly connected to API (like some property from it), but it helps you with markers which are part of API. There are described few methods how can you decrease amount of displayed markers, code examples, and introduced third party libraries.
Through book there are some great tips provided by author, mostly of them are some web pages which explains or describes more the current reading topic, I really liked that. Also there are lot of pictures from code examples what you should get as result.
This is a very good book for those developers who want to learn Google Maps API 3 basics, I highly recommend for them. Book is written clearly, and it is easy to follow. You can get your copy of the book from Apress. If you’re interested you can check Gabriels website for some examples and posts related to Google Maps API or follow him on Twitter @Svennerberg. I’d like to thank Gabriel for this possibility to write a review of his book, and the copy of book he sent me.
