Category archives: Google

Google Maps API Tutorial

04May06

Before you go through all the complexities of this tutorial, I recommend that you check out a recent Google Maps development I’ve posted about. I think you’ll find it quite helpful!

In response to a post on the Godbit forum, I created this brief Google Maps API tutorial. I believe every Church website, and every business for that matter, should provide a map and directions. The Google API lets us take that concept to a new level.
After completion of this tutorial you should be able to:

  • Have your own interactive map (I guess that’s a given since that is what this tutorial is about)
    • Set the default zoom level
  • Locate your geo coordinates
  • Center your map on those coordinates
  • Place a marker on those coordinates
  • Have a custom pop-up with a form to get To Here and From Here Directions
  • Know where to go to learn more

Want to see an example before we start?
You can also see this on a site I created at Vance Auto Sales.
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Google SketchUp

02May06

Google is trying to take over the world, or at least Google Earth. Not only can you explore the whole world via satellite images, now you can build on it with Google’s new SketchUp. Sketchup is a 3D modeling tool…virtual LEGO for adults.

Google describes it this way

Google SketchUp (free) is an easy-to-learn 3D modeling program that enables you to explore the world in 3D. With just a few simple tools, you can create 3D models of houses, sheds, decks, home additions, woodworking projects – even space ships. And once you’ve built your models, you can place them in Google Earth, post them to the 3D Warehouse, or print hard copies.

I haven’t had much time to use the software, but initially I’ve been impressed. Most 3D modeling software is fairly complex, but SketchUp makes it surprisingly simple. After going through the 3 basic tutorials I was able to build a house with an attached deck; It actually looked decent.

Not all is fun and games, I’ve had trouble integrating it into Google Earth. That could be because I haven’t read the directions (typical guy).

SketchUp does have some advanced features. For example you can specify the date and time of the shadow cast on your model. The program comes with a variety of textures to apply to surfaces. The textures range from brick to grass.

If you’re a better designer than me, you can post your building on the 3D warehouse for the whole world to download. The 3D warehouse already has lots of world landmarks like the Whitehouse and the Golden Gate Bridge.

All of the free software Google has been releasing lately makes me wonder what they’re up to. They’ve got photo organizers, website creators, desktop search, chat (now built into Gmail), and the list keeps going. All this free stuff is great, but what is the alternative motive?

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