Google Maps

Google Maps Programming Bootcamp

Summary

This is an instructor guided, web based course that combines our Introduction to Programming the Google Maps API course with our Advanced Google Maps Programming course.

Introduction to Programming the Google Maps API
This is our entry level programming course for the Google Maps API (version 3), and is designed to enable you to build Google Maps applications for the web.  We will cover a lot of ground in this course.  By the end of our time together you will understand all the basic concepts you need to create dynamic web mapping applications with the Google Maps API.  We’ll start with some basic information about programming the Maps API and then we’ll dive into the longest section of our course: Basic Concepts of the Google Maps API.  In this module you’ll learn how to add and remove map controls for panning, zooming, setting map types, overview map, and the scale bar.  You’ll then learn how to add your own data to the map display using markers, polylines, and polygons.  One of the more creative functions provided with the Google Maps API is the ability to drape images across the map.  For instance, you might want to display wildlife habitats on top of Google Maps.  This is done through the use of Ground Overlays.  Ground Overlays allow you to drape historical map images and specific purpose maps on top of a Google  base map.  Building on this concept you will then learn how to add KML, GeoRSS, and FusionTables layers on top of the map.  In module 3 you will learn how to handle events.  Events are actions that take place in your application such as map clicks or drags.  Normally they are initiated by the end user but they can also be internally generated events such as the re-setting of the map center.  In module 4 you will learn how to convert addresses into geographic coordinates that can be displayed as Marker locations on the map.  You’ll also learn how to take a point of interest and find the nearest address to the point.  This is known as reverse geocoding.  Finally, we’ll wrap up the course with a module on the Google Elevation Service.  In this module you’ll learn how to obtain elevation data for a point or an elevation profiles for points along a line.

Advanced Google Maps Programming
Building on the concepts learned in our Introduction to Programming the Google Maps API course, this course covers advanced concepts and techniques for the Maps API. We are going to cover a lot of ground in this course starting with the Google Maps Utility classes. Utility classes are special purposes objects including MarkerManager for managing large numbers of markers efficiently.  MarkerClusterer also helps manage large concentrations of markers by aggregating neighboring markers into a single marker typically labeled with the number of markers represented by the symbol.  One of the more important and interesting topics in this class is the creation of your own custom data layers that can be draped on top of Google Maps. You'll also learn how to use the Geometry library to calculate the distance between features or the area of a polygon.  We'll also cover the Directions Service which can be used to obtain both textual and map directions between two points of interest.  Next, the StreetView Service will be explored in details.  You'll learn how to add this amazing feature to your application.  Finally, we'll cover development for mobile devices.   

Intended Audience
This course is designed for all levels.

Past Student Comments
"It has a lot of great information on how to start using the Google Maps API.  I am in the process of implementing some aspects of this for our company and this has helped greatly in understanding how to accomplish that." -- Kim Smith

 "I have completed Introduction to Programming the Google Maps API and I loved it.  I'm really looking forward to the Advanced Google maps API Programming class." -- Ryan Elizabeth Bowe

Intended Audience
This course is designed for all levels.

GISCI Education Credit: 40 hours

Online Registration
Instructor Guided Web Delivery: $219.00