maeMaps "Webapp" for Google Maps
 

Since December 2009, the current and future URL of maeMaps is http://tomch.com/maemaps.html
No need to follow the full thread, maeMaps now includes a simple helptext when you open the above URL. It has much more functionality and better design than in the below original post.


maeMaps ["myMaps"] is a simple Google Maps / Geosearch webpage optimized for fullscreen touch usage on a 800x480 screen. It's primary purpose is to quickly find a location and be able to zoom/pan around it on the N900, without having to activate cursor mode.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2760/...043cd558_o.png

It is a self contained webpage that you can get from my server. Simply open it (caution, old version!) in the Maemo Webbrowser, start typing and hit ENTER to launch the search. The text entry field will be autoselected after each action, so you can always just type another search and press ENTER to get there.

For more independence, you can download it to your device and store it locally in MyDocs, then launch it through the File Manager and bookmark it from inside the Browser (Sometime in the future, I might package it for installation through the App manager). It also works on OS2008, as the location bar only covers the bottom line of the page.

It uses the Google Maps API v3, so no need for an API key.

Glad for feedback, as this is an untested initial release.

Re: maeMaps "Webapp" for Google Maps
 

Great! Feature requests:

• Routing ("A to B" should display a route like Google Maps)
• Realtime input completion (street names, etc..)
• Add "District" zoom level (and get rid of "world"?)
• Current position through GPS (if exposed via APIs in the browser)
• Use Unicode arrows for navigation (I was wondering what the "A" button does :p)
• Copyable link to the current view that one can paste into SMS/IM/E-Mail

Re: maeMaps "Webapp" for Google Maps
 

Dummy question. How do I download to my device? Neat idea!

Jim

Re: maeMaps "Webapp" for Google Maps
 

Could I design a new look for this?

Re: maeMaps "Webapp" for Google Maps
 

Nice... it works in other browsers and the N8**'s too. :)

Have you tried the traffic layer yet?

Re: maeMaps "Webapp" for Google Maps
 

Open your browser (I have an N800)
Go to the URL in his link- http://www.tomch.com/maemap.html
After the page loads, bring up your menu in the browser/click up top where the page title is located Web - Google maeMaps
Choose Web Page from the menu
Choose Save As... and place it in your local location of choice.

Re: maeMaps "Webapp" for Google Maps
 

@twaelti

You must've read my mind.. or I read yours. I was thinking about the possibility of creating a specialized browser, like Flock is for social, or Songbird for music. But I was thinking a specialized web browser for Google Maps navigation,

I was also thinking that it could use the location of your GPS if you wanted to use it for navigation. E.g. you can use the browser to set the route and then a gmap to gpx bookmarklet kicks in to convert the instructions into code which would run in the background. Then as you drove along the route, as you hit the appropriate GPS latitude,longitude coordinates flite would tell you where to turn.

Edit: I was also thinking about ways you could refresh the view, but it doesn't seem likely since Google could change your directions even if you could automate the entering of your current GPS location into the A box.

Re: maeMaps "Webapp" for Google Maps
 

Very sweet twaelti... This is a very tweak-able, locally stored page that calls up a Google map in the flavor of your choice for a location specified. It is an excellent use of Googles geocoder and you can also simply enter a postal code and go to that location.


The image above^ is a tweak I did for us stylus users on N8**'s. It shows a bit more map.

I've linked to it here if you don't mind Tom. :)

Re: maeMaps "Webapp" for Google Maps
 

What's the A for?

Re: maeMaps "Webapp" for Google Maps
 

I had to change the type to HTML only, rather than Complete web page.
Thanks.

Jim

Re: maeMaps "Webapp" for Google Maps
 

New Look, same layout, just added some simple layer styles

http://mav-media.com/maemo5/maeMaps/layout001.jpg

Re: maeMaps "Web app" for Google Maps
 

"A" was used as an "up" pointer... Since this is a simple, single HTML page you are kind of limited by what elements you can use and keyboard characters come in handy. If it was a site, or better yet a zipped web archive like Nokia's WRT's, it would be easy to use images linked to the page.

You can still do it on your own machine, I have locally stored HTML that is linked to other HTML in directories that go far and wide on my N810.

I use it, among other things, to pull up any of 90 plus traffic web cams in pages formatted for the device that also have links to cameras back and forth, in sequential order. Links that jump to other directoriesare also there. Instead of keyboard characters. I use transparent image maps so all I have to do is touch the camera image up, down, left, or right to navigate to other cameras or directories.

However stuff like that, or even a single directory web archive are hard to package and provide support for. All a user has to do is misplace a single directory and they could end up with a bunch of broken links and a poor attitude toward the developer. :)

Some simple examples I posted a while ago that went over like a lead balloon can be found >> HERE <<

I still think locally stored HTML and Flash is a strong point of these devices. :)

Re: maeMaps "Webapp" for Google Maps
 

Adding just:
- a 'pin' to indicate the current location
- traffic layer
- routing view (with routing instructions, hidden until a button is clicked)

would make this a "must have" application for me.

Re: maeMaps "Webapp" for Google Maps
 

I do really like this "webapp". Thanks now I have at least a good map in the device if I need it. Would it be possible to do the same with openstreetmap.org maps? And is there a possibility to give location data directly from the devices browser to the requested map?

Re: maeMaps "Webapp" for Google Maps
 

Perhaps, but would need a complete rewrite as their API is completely different.

I've asked this on the developer mailing list, no answers yet. There is also a project called Telard CCI on garage. Perhaps it could get adapted and extended to the N900. Of course, I'd prefer an integrated solution, no add-on.

Re: maeMaps "Webapp" for Google Maps
 

The "current" location is in the middle of the map :D I don't have access to the GPS information of the device, so you must know your own location for now.
Traffic and Routing are not yet supported in the Google Maps API V3. Perhaps I do a backport to V2 one day, but enough for me right now.

Re: maeMaps "Webapp" for Google Maps
 

In pure CSS or how are these buttons made? Right now the page is self-contained and does not use any external ressources, that's why the design is bare.
Once people are +/- ok with the usability, I'll cleanup the GUI, add some image buttons for navigation and then pack the thing in a package.

Re: maeMaps "Webapp" for Google Maps
 

Re: maeMaps "Webapp" for Google Maps
 

cool! this would be handy on my N900. using the cursor-mode is not very fast or friendly way to use maps.google.com

'World' may not be used widely. Perhaps a lower zoom level would be a more beneficial use of space.

I would love to see the search feature enhanced.
- directions don't seem to be supported. this could be searched as 'directions:new york city to albany, new york' ?
- Also, I could only search for valid-addresses or cities but not businesses e.g. holiday inn, london.

Re: maeMaps "Webapp" for Google Maps
 

I like having World. I've already used it for general geography while reading the news!

Re: maeMaps "Webapp" for Google Maps
 

Very nice. Is it difficult to adapt to work with cached google maps downloaded with MaemoMapper for offline reference?

Re: maeMaps "Webapp" for Google Maps
 

Hey guys, I'm the developer of the Macuco Gmail Client (http://puelocesar.wordpress.com/2009...ent-for-maemo/). We could do something like Macuco for this webapp. I can do the Qt part and help with CSS theming.

I can do these buttons in pure CSS, but it won't run on MicroB I guess, but it will work great on a QtWebkit. What do you think?

One more thing, anyone knows if is possible to access the GPS hardware with Qt? If so, we can easily add GPS positioning feature to maeMaps

Bye!

Re: maeMaps "Webapp" for Google Maps
 

Wouldn't it be more useful to use the spinn-your-finger-idea like in the browser for zooming instead of the buttons?

Re: maeMaps "Webapp" for Google Maps
 

Dude! That is awesome! I didn't even know there was a OS2008 gmail client; I'm going to try this out ASAP!

I think we would LOVE something similar for google maps!!!

Re: maeMaps "Webapp" for Google Maps
 

No Idea how to build that in CSS. They're just gradients with rounded edges (6px). When you move to a package with graphics I'd be more then happy to help if you need it, just let me know.

Thanks

Re: maeMaps "Webapp" for Google Maps
 

looks grest, but reading the various posts, leads me to think that for most people a finger friendly interface option for maemo mapper would be the holy grail. it alrready does offline, routing etc.

unfortunately my coding skills extend no further than msdos batch files and a bit of vb.

Re: maeMaps "Webapp" for Google Maps
 

You're right, maemomapper is much better. Also, eCoach can be used for many these things and more. The only reason for me doing this:
- It's superquick and easy
- A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush :-)

Re: maeMaps "Webapp" for Google Maps
 

So twaelti, what do you think? Should I download your html and make the joshua theme, or you will do yourself?

I'm just asking to avoid duplicate work you know, if you are already doing that, it doesn't makes sense I do it again right?

By the way, I liked the idea. Right now I'm using Maemo Mapper, but it's interface is nothing like simple and user friendly. Web apps rocks!

Bye!

Re: maeMaps "Webapp" for Google Maps
 

Thanks twaelti for this. This is a great idea. i really want to have google map for long time but it is too slow for me ( n800 + microb + google map = unusable)

After i tried yours, yours is fast and simple. Plus i find out "tear" lately so finally, i can use google map on mine.

i also made some changes on yours html
1.remove road,city,country,world button
2. use acsii code for arrows
3. add a marker on search location
4. add a "center" button. This will center the map to marker position.
5. change zoom level step from 2 to 1.
6. default map type set to "ROADS"
7. Increase the min zoom in level from 16 to 18

I really want to use D-PAD and zoom button to control the map but i don't know how to capture the D-pad event button by using javascript.

Microb is superb slow on this. Tear is MUCH faster

Thanks

Re: maeMaps "Webapp" for Google Maps
 

Updated:

Work some more tonight, finally got the routing working.

Steps:
1. enter the address in "start" field and press "enter"
2. "end" field will apprear, enter the destination address and press "enter"
3. DONE.

*** remember to press enter to submit your address ***

After you enter a route, the "center" button will split into 2 buttons, Center A and Center B

if you don't need routing, just want to search for the address. You can put the address in the start field and press enter. This will show you the map of entered address

"reset" button = reload the page

Once again. Thanks op for the great app. :D

Re: maeMaps "Webapp" for Google Maps
 

UPDATE: #2 Google Directions Panel Support.

1. Add a Panel/Map button. It will toggle between map and panel.
2. add "++" and "--" button.
"++" Bigger zoom in. "--" Bigger zoom out

Thanks :D

Re: maeMaps "Webapp" for Google Maps
 

Wow, that's looking pretty slick

Re: maeMaps "Webapp" for Google Maps
 

helphelp911, I haven't tried these yet but they look great. (It would be especially great if anyone manages to make it gps-aware.)

As to your comment on wishing to do something with the dpad, does this wiki entry on key bindings help:

http://www.internettablettalk.com/wi...e_Key_bindings ?

Re: maeMaps "Webapp" for Google Maps
 

Ok, so now we wasted quite some hours on duplicate effforts...
Yesterday, I've rewritten the app for Google Apps v2, including traffic and routing, too. I hope to finish it over the weekend. Please give me a chance to finish my version :-)

Re: maeMaps "Webapp" for Google Maps
 

Maverick: Why don't you just go and edit the source HTML file if you want to add some sleekness to the graphics?

Re: maeMaps "Webapp" for Google Maps
 

Without having used the app (don't have device for now) here some suggestions:

• Hide all controls for navigation unless user swaps from right to left, like Fennec does.
  
• Use icons instead of text. A globe, a city, village, are self explanatory. Although Joshua's buttons are already an improvement.
  
• Instead of arrows allow free-style movement based on touch swipes (negates ability of point #1)

Re: maeMaps "Webapp" for Google Maps
 

Hey guys, why don't we create a project somewhere, create tasks and assign them to who is interested? This way we can avoid duplication of effort.

Right now I'm interested in doing the CSS code and integration of GPS.

Re: maeMaps "Webapp" for Google Maps
 

Right now I'm interested in a few hours of patience :-)

I've already worked another 5 hours on it today and will hopefully be able to finish up a very advanced version tomorrow.

Re: maeMaps "Webapp" for Google Maps
 

I've seen it allows the input as coordinates, like 45.717663,9.025250 (lat,long). This way it could be interfaced with the internal gps maybe.

Re: maeMaps "Webapp" for Google Maps
 

Ok, something for you :-) Latest beta, complete rewrite using API V2
- Routing
- Traffic and Wikipedia layers
- Very clean design
How to use:
- Search an address? Type it into left textfield, hit ENTER
- Wanna route? Type destination into right textfield, hit ENTER
- Want to see routing description? Hit #-Button or scroll down manually.
Tip:
- Hitting empty area of textfield will select all content, just type to overwrite.

Have fun, will be back tomorrow. Time for Halloween...argh