Google Mapplets™
June 8th 2007 03:38
Google has recently produced a new application called Google Mapplets API. This was only released on May 29 and Google warns there may still be some bugs. The idea behind Google Mapplets is to allow users to customise Google Maps with mini-applications from Google itself or from third-party developers. What can these Mapplets be used for? The range of possibilities is probably limitless, but in the meantime, they could be used to provide news, real estate listings and weather reports. No doubt imaginative readers can already think of other ways of using them. The Google Mapplets API combines the Google Maps API and the Google Gadgets™ API, so anyone familiar with those APIs can quickly build a Google Mapplet and reach millions of Google Maps users.
I had to check what an API was. The abbreviation means: Application Programming Interface. This allows programmers to access the functionality of a pre-built software module through well-defined data structures and subroutine calls. You'll note that's not something I wrote. (Does it sound like me?) As far as I understand, it means programmers can get into the make-up of software that's already available, and use it for their own purposes as well as what it was originally made for. Correct me if I'm wrong!
Mapplets are a form of mini-webpages that are served from inside an IFrame within the Google Maps site. These mini-webpages can be used in the same way as a normal webpage, so HTML, Javascript, and Flash are all available. Through a Javascript API, Google gives the Mapplet access to services such as moving a map around, getting content from other sites, and storing user preferences.
I had to check what an API was. The abbreviation means: Application Programming Interface. This allows programmers to access the functionality of a pre-built software module through well-defined data structures and subroutine calls. You'll note that's not something I wrote. (Does it sound like me?) As far as I understand, it means programmers can get into the make-up of software that's already available, and use it for their own purposes as well as what it was originally made for. Correct me if I'm wrong!
Mapplets are a form of mini-webpages that are served from inside an IFrame within the Google Maps site. These mini-webpages can be used in the same way as a normal webpage, so HTML, Javascript, and Flash are all available. Through a Javascript API, Google gives the Mapplet access to services such as moving a map around, getting content from other sites, and storing user preferences.
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