About VGMap
VGMap is a new library created by Eyebeam R&D that allows designers, developers, and mapping geeks to overlay data on top of Google Maps in a richer way than is possible using their standard system. It is called VGMap because it adds vector-drawing capability to the already-awesome GMap API.
The Google Maps API enables point and line data on their maps in the form of markers, and polylines. This has yielded a lot of great applications, such as Housing Maps and the GMaps Pedometer (see more at Google Maps Mania). What it does not allow for is vector graphics, which precludes the use of Google Maps for more sophisticated GIS applications. Flash provides for vector drawing, as well as a well-worn interactive and animation functionality. This VGMap library is simply the glue between GMap and Flash, as well as a handful of Flash ActionScript libraries and sample code to simplify the process of drawing over the map correctly.
Our hope is that VGMap will help to provide baseline technology for building open, web-based GIS applications using Google Maps as the base layer.
Download VGMap
Download the distribution here: VGMap tar/gzip download.
The VGMap library runs entirely in the browser. It is a client-side library that is compatible with Firefox, Safari, and Internet Explorer. Its files are served statically, so it should work with any web server. Applications using VGMap may have server-side components, but that is entirely up to the imagination of the developer.
How to Use VGMap
Using VGMap is simple in some ways, and not-so-simple in others. It is very simple to 'install' the library so that it is ready to use to create your own vector-overlaid Google Maps applications. Fitting your own Flash application into it is as simple as implementing the same callbacks as you would in JavaScript if you were using the standard GMap API.
However, to build a flash application that takes data and plots it on a map requires some amount of understanding of georeferencing/geocoding, cartographic projections, geographic data file types, and/or all the other nonsense us mapping/GIS geeks obsess about.
Fortunately, there are a handful of libraries and a simple example application that comes with this package, which should serve as guide as to how to get started if you already have a sense of what you are trying to do. As with anything else, the best route is to just download it and get to hacking! There is also a half-decent README for this whole setup.
Make a Donation
Support VGMap and Eyebeam R&D
Your PayPal donation supports VGmap and other innovative initiatives like FundRace, ForwardTrack, reBlog, and the Contagious Media Project. With your support, Eyebeam will continue to develop, release, and sponsor Open Source, public domain projects.
Eyebeam is a 501(c)3 art and technology non-profit. All donations are tax deductible. For additional information about contributing to Eyebeam, please contact Jonah Peretti, our director of R&D
Who's using VGMap
NYC Subway Map -- interactive map of NYC subway
Example: Lat/Lon grid -- example app for drawing latitude/longitude grid
About Eyebeam
Eyebeam is a not-for-profit media arts organization that enables and engages
cultural dialogue practiced at the intersection of the arts and sciences. Founded in 1996, Eyebeam is dedicated to
exposing broad and diverse audiences to new technologies and media arts, while simultaneously establishing and
demonstrating new media as a significant genre. Eyebeam is located in New York City with interrelated programming
in the areas of art production, education and exhibition.