Add an interactive topographic map (+GPS data) to your post

[Joseph]

Greetings,

I applaud the Bogley admins for making it easy to add

[Cirrus2000]

Holy cow - I saw your posts earlier today, and was a little skeptical - but seeing that KML file in action, that's pretty cool. I look forward to trying this out. :2thumbs:

Thanks Joseph.

[ibenick]

That is cool. It's like that rare moment when Spam turns out to be just the thing you were looking for and deeeeeeelicious!

[Joseph]

Thanks for the kind words.
IMHO, rolling your own KML files is not that hard.
Be sure to check out the Appendix in the Gmap4 Help file.
Download those KML files and read the comments in them.

[denaliguide]

i have looked at these also and i'm impressed. like kev, i too was skeptical but it looks good. i will try and play with it some more in the next few days.

[Joseph]

This link will give you a map of Aukland, New Zealand and the surrounding area.
http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?ll=-36.791691,174.726563&z=9

The map type that first displays is controlled by the "&t=" parameter. The above link does not have a t parameter so the default of &t=t1 is used.
That default value causes the Google Terrain view to be displayed.
Since the MyTopo company only has topographic map tiles for the USA and Canada, Gmap4 can only show you the standard Google Map views when you go outside of those areas.
But you can still use Gmap4 to surf/display GPX, KML, KMZ, TPO and Google MyMap files for anywhere.

For example, I found this KML file with the 2010 Tour de France route:
http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?q=http://paris.thover.com/images/blog/tdf/2010/tdf2010.kml

Future enhancement plans:

Presently I am in the middle of adding trip planning features. You will be able to click the map and set draggable waypoints and routepoints. Then you will be able to download that info in a GPX file which you can either (1) upload into your GPS or (2) convert via GPSBabel into a different file format that you can upload into your GPS.

After I turn on the first version of trip planning and start getting feedback, then I plan to make improvements/changes to the user interface. There will be a right click menu and various other tweaks. All interface suggestions go into a file and will be reviewed when I sit down to ponder such matters.

After interface tweaking then I expect to work on the trip planning feedback I will have received.

[Iceaxe]

That is cool. It's like that rare moment when Spam turns out to be just the thing you were looking for and deeeeeeelicious!

:roflol: :roflol: :roflol:

It looks like a cool feature..... curious to see how it works out on Bogley.

[Don]

That is cool. It's like that rare moment when Spam turns out to be just the thing you were looking for and deeeeeeelicious!

...and we're not talking about porn? :haha:


Joey, very cool stuff you've got going on here. I'm going to need to update my skills and my GPS...

[jman]

Your future plans of downloading the gpx is a very helpful component.

All of this is great, but is only useful when people use it (obviously). So it has to be as easy as possible, so they will WANT, to add it in. Don't get me wrong, it's pretty simple already....just stating the obvious.

Keep up the good work!

[Joseph]

I know about the server error message
My site is hosted at BlueHost
Both support lines to them are busy
- - - -
edit: Back up now.
They said it was just a hiccup at their end

[Sombeech]

Both support lines to them are busy

I love the ever present message: "We are experiencing a high volume of calls" (at Wednesday night at 11:47 pm)

[Joseph]

Your future plans of downloading the gpx is a very helpful idea.

All of this is great, but is only useful when people use it (obviously). So it has to be as easy as possible, so they will WANT, to add it in. Don't get me wrong, it's pretty simple already....just stating the obvious.

Keep up the good work!

An excellent point, easy = good.

Gmap4 is designed to work like Google Maps. Both Google maps and Gmap4 can be driven by URL parameters. For more info on the URL parameters that can drive plain Google Maps, see http://mapki.com/wiki/Google_Map_Parameters

Both Google Maps and Gmap4 understand the following URL parameters: q, ll, z and t
Since one of my design goals was to make Gmap4 work like Google Maps, I do not see the basic structure of a Gmap4 URL changing.

Let's think about this. All Gmap4 really needs from a user in order to produce a map is one of the following:
lat,lng
Google MyMap key value
URL to a KML, KMZ, GPX, TPO file

Over at http://www.nwhikers.net the wizard behind the curtain added a "Gmap" button to the screen where you type your post. That button displays an input form where the user can enter/paste one of the above 3 things. Tom's code then builds the Gmap4 URL. That's about as easy as it can be. Just a thought...

[jman]

Over at http://www.nwhikers.net the wizard behind the curtain added a "Gmap" button to the screen where you type your post. That button displays an input form where the user can enter/paste one of the above 3 things. Tom's code then builds the Gmap4 URL. That's about as easy as it can be. Just a thought...

Ahh...there we go. Now that's easy.

Edit: would you care if I PM you about a topo map project I'm working on and ask a few Q's??

[Joseph]

would you care if I PM you about a topo map project I'm working on and ask a few Q's??

goferit

[tanya]

nice! :clap:

[Joseph]

Thanks for all the kind words everyone.
- - -
I just saw a post in the Google Maps developer's forum saying that markers no longer appear on Google Maps. I just checked one of my maps and 'tis true. http://www.nwhikers.net/forums/images/smiles/frown.gif
Your track lines still appear, but markers do not.
Google sez they are working on it. http://www.nwhikers.net/forums/images/smiles/shakehead.gif

Kev (cirrus2000) posted a nice topographic map & GPS track. I was going to suggest those that are interested in this map thingy might take a peek at his map. It included markers with linked pics. But thanks to Google all the markers are now AWOL.:angryfire:
http://www.bogley.com/forum/showthread.php?40143-Williamson-Lake-Area-Southwest-BC&highlight=gmap4

Edit: The markers have settled their contract dispute with Google and are now back on the job. http://www.nwhikers.net/forums/images/smiles/clown.gif

[Joseph]

If you like maps, check out the new features in Gmap4. Remember, Gmap4 is a 100% free no-ads map viewer that can display detailed topographic maps. There is nothing to download or install.

1. A powerful search feature has been added. Click Menu ==> Search. You can search on:
* Addresses
* Names of places and natural features
* Latitude Longitude (Geocache format and many others)

Here

[Joseph]

Gmap4 has been updated to version 1.8.3

The present-day magnetic declination for the map center is now always displayed in the lower right corner. This value is produced using software from http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/IAGA/vmod/igrf.html combined with data from http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/geomag/WMM/back.shtml.
Since the magnetic declination is always changing, the older value printed on maps can be wrong by several degrees.

I also updated my links page to show (1) reviews of Gmap4 and (2) sites that are already using Gmap4 to produce online interactive maps.
http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4_links.html

Finally, if you are interested in the search feature and/or print feature, please check the

[jman]

Gmap4 has been updated to version 1.8.3

The present-day magnetic declination for the map center is now always displayed in the lower right corner. This value is produced using software from http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/IAGA/vmod/igrf.html combined with data from http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/geomag/WMM/back.shtml.
Since the magnetic declination is always changing, the older value printed on maps can be wrong by several degrees.

I also updated my links page to show (1) reviews of Gmap4 and (2) sites that are already using Gmap4 to produce online interactive maps.
http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4_links.html

Finally, if you are interested in the search feature and/or print feature, please check the ‘Help’ file (and use the Table of Contents) to be sure you have seen the most info on those features.
http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4_help.pdf

The link below will display a world map. To test-drive the search feature click Menu==>Search.
http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?ll=38.259207,-16.760195&t=t1&z=2

Enjoy,
Joseph

Nice work! I'm enjoying the progress on this. Keep it up.

[Joseph]

Gmap4 has been updated to version 1.9.1 dated January 17, 2011. This version adds support for UTM coordinate grids. All UTM support in Gmap4 uses the WGS84 datum. This UTM support works worldwide. For more info on UTM coordinates see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Transverse_Mercator_coordinate_system

(Pay back time: When you visit other outdoor-related forums, please do a search and see if Gmap4 has been mentioned. If not, it would just take a moment for you to pass the word along. Also, are you doing the social network thing? Consider saying something nice about Gmap4.)

Here

[ibenick]

Gmap4 is really such an awesome thing. Thanks for reminding me about it. One question though, is it possible to integrate this with 'My Maps' in my Google account so that I can overlay the topo with all the paths and markers I've created in saved maps? I found this tidbit about integrating the two maps on here but what about in a regular full window or even better, in google maps where I can keep adding points?

[QUOTE]
How to #2 - Map with data from a Google MyMap
1. Get the link to your Google MyMap as described in the Bogley video. In the following example link, the

[Joseph]

Gmap4 is really such an awesome thing. Thanks for reminding me about it. One question though, is it possible to integrate this with 'My Maps' in my Google account so that I can overlay the topo with all the paths and markers I've created in saved maps? I found this tidbit about integrating the two maps on here but what about in a regular full window or even better, in google maps where I can keep adding points?

Thanks for the kind words.

If you form a URL like the following, then Gmap4 will open your MyMap in a full screen window:
http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?q=mymap,105432215366276592381.0004897737 811ac6a6a05&z=14&t=t2

You can also add any of the other URL parameters. For example:
http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?q=mymap,105432215366276592381.0004897737 811ac6a6a05&ll=47.358163,-121.064723&t=h&z=16&coord=utm

You can combine up to 10 of your Google MyMaps on a single Gmap4 map. For details read this Appendix in the Gmap4 Help file:
"Demo KML file #3 - Combining multiple KML files"

At the present time you can only go from Google MyMaps to Gmap4. However, after I turn on a trip planning feature in Gmap4 then you will be able to set points in Gmap4, export them via a GPX file and open that GPX file in POGM (Plain Old Google Maps).

Hope that answered your Qs.

[uintahiker]

Nice- would Gmap4 work on my blog? That would be rockin!

[pcguy]

Very cool:cool2:

[Joseph]

Nice- would Gmap4 work on my blog? That would be rockin!

Yup.

There is nothing magic about launching Gmap4. It is just a link.
You can put a Gmap4 link on your blog just like any other kind of link.

If your blog software allows iframes, then you can launch Gmap4 inside an iframe.
Your blog readers will then have a 'live' map they can play with.

Goferit.:nod:

[Joseph]

I just promoted Gmap4 from version 1 to version 2.

Little reason: I added support for viewing the set of topo maps that used to be known as Terraserver and now are known as Microsoft Research Maps. Click the map type button in the far upper right and select

[accadacca]

Thanks Joseph! I used Gmap4 to embed my full kml file. Google Maps only lets you display 200 tracks per page and we had 646 tracks.

From my recent Trip report: http://www.bogley.com/forum/showthread.php?56133-4000-miles!!!-%28Live%29 (http://www.bogley.com/forum/showthread.php?56133-4000-miles%21%21%21-%28Live%29)

http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?q=http://www.bogley.com/kml-files/Ride-2011.kml

[Joseph]

I just promoted Gmap4 version 2.1.4 from testing into production. Some of the new features are described below. For a full list of the changes in this version please see http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4_whats_new.html

Remember, Gmap4 lives in the cloud and does not require you to download or install anything. Anytime you view a map with Gmap4, you automatically will be using the most recent version.

The big news is that you can now strap on a personal jet pack and fly around in 3D anywhere in the world. (The Gmap4

[ibenick]

Joseph, this new update appears to have made all of my embedded GMap4 maps stop working. I put them into all of my trip reports on my blog. Any ideas what the problem is? I've been using the google MSID pasted into the gmap URL. Your example maps on your website for that appear to be broken as well.

[Joseph]

Joseph, this new update appears to have made all of my embedded GMap4 maps stop working. I put them into all of my trip reports on my blog. Any ideas what the problem is? I've been using the google MSID pasted into the gmap URL. Your example maps on your website for that appear to be broken as well.

Try clearing your browser's cache.
I'm using FF 6.0.2.

This link is the example map from the Gmap4 website which uses an MSID value (ID for a Google MyMap). This map works fine for me.
http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?q=mymap,105432215366276592381.0004897737 811ac6a6a05&z=14&t=t2

I just opened this page from your blog: http://backcountrypost.com/?p=1189
It takes a long time to load due to all the hi-rez pics, but eventually it does load and the embedded map appears just fine for me.

I then shifted the embedded map into 3D (click MyTopo ==> Earth) and went flying around your track.

[stefan]

your page works for me nick (in both camino & safari)


love the star movie by the way:2thumbs:

[ibenick]

Thanks, Stefan.

Joseph, still not working in Safari, Firefox or Chrome on my Mac running OS X Lion. Not just the embeds, even directly on your site. :ne_nau:

[stefan]

just fyi i'm running snow leopard.

[ibenick]

just fyi i'm running snow leopard. Don't upgrade. Lion sucks, IMO.

[Joseph]

Thanks, Stefan.

Joseph, still not working in Safari, Firefox or Chrome on my Mac running OS X Lion. Not just the embeds, even directly on your site. :ne_nau:

Sorry you're having probs.
Can you get any kind of error message out of any of those browsers?

I just got off the phone with 1 other person reporting the same problem.
But I'm not getting any flood of complaints/questions.

I suspect that the issue involves two javascript files that Google supplies. These files relate to the new feature that lets Gmap4 link to the Google Earth browser plug-in. As a short term fix I will tweak my code so that these files are not even loaded unless the user tries to go to the 'Earth' view. I'll try hard to get that done tomorrow.

I'm already in touch with the Google engineer that wrote one of those javascript files. So if you can send me a screenshot of any error message, that might be quite helpful. You can email me through my contact page: http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4_contact.html

[Joseph]

Thanks, Stefan.

Joseph, still not working in Safari, Firefox or Chrome on my Mac running OS X Lion. Not just the embeds, even directly on your site. :ne_nau:

Nick,
Can your problem PC open this map?
It is a demo map supplied by Google and includes the 'Earth' code.
It takes a few seconds for the data to appear on the map.

http://google-maps-utility-library-v3.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/googleearth/examples/earth.html

[accadacca]

My map that was embedded into this post (above) isn't displaying...Firefox.

[Joseph]

My map that was embedded into this post (above) isn't displaying...Firefox.

For those who are having problems, try going here:
http://www.google.com/earth/explore/products/plugin.html

Wait a few seconds and toward the righthand side of the screen it will tell you which version of the Google Earth browser plug-in you have installed in your browser. When I do this I see v6.0.3.2197
If you see an earlier version of this plugin, then try updating the plugin.
Does that fix your problem?

[accadacca]

Remember, Gmap4 lives in the cloud and does not require you to download or install anything. Anytime you view a map with Gmap4, you automatically will be using the most recent version.


For those who are having problems, try going here:
http://www.google.com/earth/explore/products/plugin.html

Wait a few seconds and toward the righthand side of the screen it will tell you which version of the Google Earth browser plug-in you have installed in your browser. When I do this I see v6.0.3.2197
If you see an earlier version of this plugin, then try updating the plugin.
Does that fix your problem?
Is needing this plugin a new requirement for Gmap4? I don't think I have ever had the Google Maps plugin and it worked until the your latest update. I just tried to install the plugin and it wont install for some reason. I am using Firefox 6.0.2 for Mac.

[accadacca]

Quite painful but I just cleared my cache and it works!

[Joseph]

Quite painful but I just cleared my cache and it works!

Glad you got it working.

I'll update the Gmap4 documentation to point out that in order to use the new 'Earth' map view, the Google Earth browser plug-in must be installed.

[ibenick]

The only way I was able to get the gmaps to work on my mac, in any browser, cache cleared or not, was by installing the google earth plugin. So its required to use the maps at all or just for the 'earth' map view? I love those gmaps but I'll have to go back to plain old google maps with an optional link to the gmap if thats the case. Don't want to have my website appear broken to people who haven't installed the google earth plugin. :fitz:

[Joseph]

The only way I was able to get the gmaps to work on my mac, in any browser, cache cleared or not, was by installing the google earth plugin. So its required to use the maps at all or just for the 'earth' map view? I love those gmaps but I'll have to go back to plain old google maps with an optional link to the gmap if thats the case. Don't want to have my website appear broken to people who haven't installed the google earth plugin. :fitz:

I agree with you. This problem obviously took me by surprise.:facepalm1: Here's the plan.

1. I'm in the process of tweaking Gmap4 so everything will work fine as long as the user does not try to look at the Earth view.
2. I will update all my docs, including the message that appears on the screen when the user clicks Earth
3. The prior version of Gmap4 is here: http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4_2_1_1.php

[ibenick]

Awesome, Joseph. I'm going to put a link giving you credit for gmap4 under each map in my TR's from now on. Great work you do. :hail2thechief:

[Udink]

Great work you do. :hail2thechief:
I'm totally in agreement. I need to start using this on my website as well. Awesome work, man. :cool2:

[Joseph]

Thanks for the kind words.

I'm working on wrapping my brain around this.
If anyone here is having trouble with the production version of Gmap4 (http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php)
and has not installed the Google Earth browser plug-in, then please see if you can open the following map.
This is a tweaked version of Gmap4.

http://www.mappingsupport.com/test_gmap4/gmap4_711.php?q=http://sites.google.com/site/gmap4files/p/helpfile/Johnson_Ridge.gpx&t=t2

[Udink]

Thanks for the kind words.

I'm working on wrapping my brain around this.
If anyone here is having trouble with the production version of Gmap4 (http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php)
and has not installed the Google Earth browser plug-in, then please see if you can open the following map.
This is a tweaked version of Gmap4.

http://www.mappingsupport.com/test_gmap4/gmap4_711.php?q=http://sites.google.com/site/gmap4files/p/helpfile/Johnson_Ridge.gpx&t=t2
I don't know how helpful this is, but I can open this map and see the red tracklog using Google Earth plugin version 5.1.7894.7252.

[Joseph]

After the September 12th update to Gmap4 I heard from a handful of people that this new version gave them a blank screen and nothing else. For most people the new version worked fine but for an unfortunate few it did not. I want to thank those that spoke up. After all, when things work fine for me, I have no way of knowing that they do not work fine for you unless you tell me. The best way to reach me is to e-mail through my contact page: http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4_contact.html

Late today I updated the Gmap4 code. If you click Menu ==> About then you will see the date September 14, 2011 (or later).

If you are still having trouble viewing maps with Gmap4, then I have a favor to ask. In addition to updating the code I also put together a short list of easy things that you can try to get the latest version of Gmap4 working on your system. Here’s the favor: Please download the latest copy (dated September 14, 2011) of the ‘Help’ file (http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4_help.pdf) and search that file for ‘tips on flying’. Near the end of that section you will see a heading that starts “Background...”. That section gives you a peek under the hood and suggests several easy/quick things you can do to try and get the current version of Gmap4 working on your system.

Some of those suggestions have worked for others, so I hope if you are having problems that you take a few minutes and give them a try. And if nothing else works, then the last suggestion gives you a link to the prior version of Gmap4 which does not include the new ‘Earth’ feature which seems to be the source of most of the problems.

But since being able to fly over your GPS track (or any other data file) in 3D is easily the coolest feature in Gmap4, I most certainly hope you are able to convince your system to run the current version of Gmap4 so you can waste as much time as I have flying here and there. It’s addictive but - hey - you’ve been warned.

[Joseph]

Gmap4 has been updated to version 2.1.6 dated September 17, 2011.
Homepage: http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.html

Reminder: Since Gmap4 lives in the cloud (1) you never have to download or install Gmap4 and (2) you are always automatically using the latest version of the code. But if Gmap4 does not seem to work then please clear your browser’s cache and try again. To see the Gmap4 version number you can click Menu ==> About on any map.

This update fixes the ‘blank screen’ problem that some users experienced after the September 12th update. If you experienced that problem, then please try Gmap4 again.

In order to use the new 3D ‘Earth’ view, your computer system needs to have the Google Earth browser plug-in installed. The Gmap4 code now checks to see if your system already has this plug-in installed. If your computer system does not have this plug-in installed, then you will see a message telling you that and a link to Google where you can download the plug-in if you decide to install it. If you decide to install the plug-in, please follow the instructions in that message. You need a broadband connection and a reasonably modern computer to use the 3D ‘Earth’ view.

If you decide to not install the plug-in, simply close the message window. You can continue using all the other features of Gmap4 except the ‘Earth’ view.

[ibenick]

Joseph, a couple of questions. I've noticed that the latest version of gmap doesn't zoom the map out to show the entire tracks but rather one or steps in. Is there a way to set the zoom level? A good example of it defaulting to one zoom level too many can be found here: http://backcountrypost.com/?p=1189. Also, it seems to be converting the icons in my latest map from the ones I've set to plain old blue google markers. Any ideas? See this TR map for example: http://backcountrypost.com/?p=1218 compared to the actual google map below:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=214533597045798101523.0004acdd42f071dfed5a 7&msa=0&ll=40.671785,-110.839691&spn=0.160924,0.166683

[Joseph]

I looked at the source code for http://backcountrypost.com/?p=1189
Both of your Gmap4 links specify &z=14.
Gmap4 used zoom level 14 because you told it to. :facepalm1:
Simply delete &z=14 and Gmap4 should automatically set the right zoom such that the map is as detailed as possible but still holds all your data.
Use this link:
http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?q=mymap,214533597045798101523.0004abf8ac 81ba6cf33da&t=t2

Regarding the markers, here's some background.
When you make a Google mymap and save it, google actually saves your map as kml file.
You can download Google's kml file via this link:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=214533597045798101523.0004abf8ac81ba6cf33d a&msa=0&output=kml

IMHO, that kml file is not well-drafted.

You can gain much better control over your maps if you look at the appendix to the Gmap4 Help file: http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4_help.pdf
That appendix and the examples in it will teach you how to build your own KML files.
Consider using this workflow:
1. Build your map as a Google MyMap
2. Download that mymap from Google as a KML file
3. Use one of the sample KML files in the appendix and paste your data over mine
4. Copy the track coords from Google's KML file and paste them into your KML file
5. Copy the coords for each marker from Google's KML file and paste them into your KML file.

Just follow the KML examples in the appendix and you will quickly learn how to whip out KML files.

Then put your KML files online and display them with Gmap4.





(http://www.bogley.com/forum/view-source:http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?q=mymap,214533597045798101523.0004abf8ac 81ba6cf33da&z=14&t=t2)

[ibenick]

Thanks, Joseph. I didn't realize the zoom level was also in the URL. The markers changing still doesn't make much sense though. It seems a lot easier to me to just make my very simple map in Google Maps and then paste the MSID into the gmap URL. It's not like I'm doing anything complicated, just dropping a couple of markers. And I really don't understand why the markers on all of my old maps are still showing as they indicate on Google Maps but all new maps convert to plain blue markers in GMap.

[Joseph]

I just made a new MyMap.
I added one 'tent' icon.
I saved the map, got the msid and looked at it with Gmap4 and I saw....google's default blue paddle.

Conclusion: Google broke something at their end.

See last post in this thread for a suggested fix.
http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/maps/thread?tid=76bbefb8768eb061&hl=en

Here are a whole pile of icons you can copy:
This page shows many symbols that Google is hosting:
http://hohonuuli.blogspot.com/2007/09/list-of-paddle-icons-for-kml-z-letters.html

Also you might post here. Maybe there are other solutions:
http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/maps/label?lid=11b743e93acfcc52&hl=en

[Joseph]

Gmap4 has been updated to version 2.2. The full list of changes is posted on the Gmap4

[accadacca]

I am getting broken maps? http://www.bogley.com/forum/showthread.php?40609-Add-an-interactive-topographic-map-%28-GPS-data%29-to-your-post

http://www.bogley.com/forum/showthread.php?56133-4000-miles!!!-%28Live%29&prefixid=Trip_Report

[Joseph]

It looks like the Bogley site has changed how it works under the hood when you try to add iframe tags in your post. That bogley change has broken Gmap4.

To put a link (such as a Gmap4 URL) in an iframe you hi-light the link and then click the button that is a red paddle with the little diskette image.

Bogley does produce an iframe and does launch Gmap4.

Problem: Bogly adds an extra URL parameter to the end of the Gmap4 URL (&output=embed). That extra URL parameter breaks Gmap4.

[Joseph]

I realized what happened. Earlier this month I updated the Gmap4 production code. One of the new things I added is stronger internet security.

As part of those improved security features the current version of the production code will display an error message if the Gmap4 URL includes a parameter that Gmap4 does not recognize. Earlier versions of the production code did not generate that error message.

That is the reason why Gmap4 used to work OK in iframes on Bogley but no longer does so.

What now?
Any chance Bogley could stop adding that unwanted parameter to the Gmap4 links?

[Sombeech]

It looks like the Bogley site has changed how it works under the hood when you try to add iframe tags in your post. That bogley change has broken Gmap4.

Sorry, we haven't made any changes with this, iframes, templates, or Google code. Is it possible that the changes are on Google's end?

[Joseph]

If I take this URL:
http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?t=h
and wrap it in your SAVEDMAP tags then some piece of code somewhere adds "&output=embed" to the Gmap4 URL.
That unwanted URL parameter causes Gmap4 to produce an error message.

Only happens on Bogley.

Gmap4 runs fine in iframes on various other forums.

[Sombeech]

If I take this URL:
http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?t=h
and wrap it in your SAVEDMAP tags then some piece of code somewhere adds "&output=embed" to the Gmap4 URL.
That unwanted URL parameter causes Gmap4 to produce an error message.

Only happens on Bogley.

Gmap4 runs fine in iframes on various other forums.

The other forums are most likely using a different version of the Google Map embed. Can you link to another example forum for reference? Are they using a straight iframe from Google Maps? Ours isn't quite that simple, just a security precaution. There are ways to embed malicious sources in the simpler iframes, then everybody viewing the page(s) is vulnerable.

But that being said, our Google Map embed code hasn't been touched by us since it was first implemented here. So it's either a conflict that has always existed or Google must have changed something. :ne_nau:

[Joseph]

Just to be certain we are on the same page, I mis-spoke when I opined that things might have changed at Bogley. Instead, things changed because I tightened Gmap4's internet security.

OK, I figured out what's going on.

This post explains how to embed a "Google map"
http://www.bogley.com/forum/showthread.php?39098-Embed-Google-Maps-in-a-bogley-post

Key point: A Google map is not the same thing as a Gmap4 map. Yes, Gmap4 uses the Google map API but it is still not the same critter as a "Google map".

When a Google map is embedded the URL must include &output=embed. So naturally Bogley has a widget that does that. But that widget no longer works with Gmap4 since it tacks on a URL parameter that causes Gmap4 to throw an error message. Gmap4 simply does not need the &output URL parameter in order to be embedded.

Would it be possible for Bogley to make a widget to embed Gmap4? Just copy the Google Map widget and leave out that &output URL parameter.

My impression is that at least some of the other websites that allow Gmap4 to run in plain iframe tags have a whitelist of apps that are so allowed.

Example (and link to Gmap4 beta code that can locate you on a smartphone):
http://www.nwhikers.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7995683
Code: <iframe style="width:100%;height:600px"
src="http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/beta/gmap4_263.php?coord=off&ll=47.62403,-122.058341&t=h&z=9 (http://www.bogley.com/forum/view-source:http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/beta/gmap4_263.php?coord=off&ll=47.62403,-122.058341&t=h&z=9)"
width="100%" height="600px"></iframe>

[Sombeech]

Would it be possible for Bogley to make a widget to embed Gmap4? Just copy the Google Map widget and leave out that &output URL parameter.


Sure I could create a separate tag for Gmap4 only. Just be warned that anybody else who has embedded a gmap4 here previously will need to edit their post and change the tag. I'll try to do this over the weekend. :cool2:

[Joseph]

Many thanks.

Yeah I was just thinking about the existing threads with embedded Gmap4 maps. Ouch!
I guess the bottom line is that high quality internet security is a good thing for all.

[Joseph]

The Gmap4 production code is now version 2.3. This is the first version that includes special features for smartphones and other mobile devices.

1. Gmap4 can now find your location on the map. This service will use some or all of:
* Your IP address
* Cell towers
* Wi-fi hotspots
* Any GPS chip in your phone or other mobile device

Simply open any map in your phone

[accadacca]

Sure I could create a separate tag for Gmap4 only. Just be warned that anybody else who has embedded a gmap4 here previously will need to edit their post and change the tag. I'll try to do this over the weekend. :cool2:
Any luck with this yet? I would like to start using it again. :popcorn:

[Joseph]

The Gmap4 code has been updated to version 3.0. There are two new

[Sombeech]

Sorry for the HUGE delay on this, but I think I just fixed it on our end. Unfortunately it will take a little manual editing to do, to change out SAVEDMAP with "gmap4"

So the new tag is "gmap4", just use it the same way as previously, but swap out savedmap with gmap4

I've edited Joseph 's first post to test this as well.

Let me know how it goes. Here's a test embed:
http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?q=mymap,200816175362728047597.0004abfbe9 83d7a75e593

[Joseph]

Yippee - lookin' good - thanks!
Well except for the "Hodges".
I have no clue where that's coming from.

http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?q=mymap,200816175362728047597.0004abfbe9 83d7a75e593&ll=43.461604,-113.560017&t=t4&z=14

[Sombeech]

Yippee - lookin' good - thanks!
Well except for the "Hodges".
I have no clue where that's coming from.

Hodges is what I named the map in Google maps.

EDIT: I just noticed it's on your map too. Looks like I need to tweak it a bit more.

Hey I've got another question, I've got a KMZ that will embed, but zoom level 1, and even 0 still aren't far enough out. Is there a way I can re-edit the KMZ to make it zoomed out even further?

[Joseph]

Zoom level 0 is as zoomed out as it gets.
But that zoom level gives you repeats of the continents all on the same map.
Seems like your file ought to fit since the whole planet is on the map (times 3).
Maybe I'm not following...

[Sombeech]

Zoom level 0 is as zoomed out as it gets.
But that zoom level gives you repeats of the continents all on the same map.
Seems like your file ought to fit since the whole planet is on the map (times 3).
Maybe I'm not following...

Using the KML worked. Thanks!

[Joseph]

Here is another tip for you wannabe map makers. This tip pertains to map symbols (aka markers).

Each symbol has an "anchor point".
The Google Map API (Application Program Interface) places symbols on the map such that the symbol's anchor point is at the latlng you assigned to that symbol.

By default, the anchor point for a symbol is the middle of the bottom edge of the symbol image. <== Better read that again.
Thus, if your map displays a simple paddle image, then the bottom tip of the paddle is at the latlng you specified.

So far so good. But.....

Google is hosting a bunch of symbols that you can use on your map. Here is one place to find some of those URLs:
http://hohonuuli.blogspot.com/2007/09/list-of-paddle-icons-for-kml-z-letters.html

Caution: Some of those symbols have their anchor point in the middle of the image! A good example of this is the slanted push pins. If you use those push pin images on your Google map then the tip of the pin is *not* going to be at the latlng you specify. Instead, a point somewhere near the middle of the image will be at the latlng you specified since that point is the symbol's "anchor point".

If your goal is to mark a spot on the map as best you can, then I recommend sticking with the straight up-and-down paddle images. If you open the above link and go to the bottom, there are some more interesting paddles.

If you find a paddle image you like but it is too dang big on your map - no worries. Just copy it, reduce its size with your favorite image editing program and put the smaller image online somewhere. I recommend that symbols be PNG files and Google Sites is a good place to host them.

[Sombeech]

Slot Machine was asking how to convert to a KML, I just used Google Earth. When you are saving a KMZ, just choose the different filetype and choose KML instead. Certain KMZ files may not be zoomed correctly when embedding, where KML files seemed to work better. An example was the Canyon waypoints Slot Machine made here: http://www.bogley.com/forum/showthread.php?62130-The-Super-Amazing-Canyoneering-Map

[Sombeech]

Is there anyway to add code for the view to be in Hybrid mode?

[accadacca]

Sweet! I got my map fixed: http://www.bogley.com/forum/showthread.php?56133-4000-miles!!!-%28Live%29

Now to find the others... :ne_nau:

[Joseph]

Is there anyway to add code for the view to be in Hybrid mode?

Sure. The "t" URL parameter determines which map type is displayed when the map opens.
t Map type. (Default: &t=t1) The allowable values are:
m Street map from Google
s Aerial photo from Google
h Aerial plus street names from Google
t1 Terrain from Google (default)
t2 Topographic map from MyTopo (USA 1:24,000 & Canada 1:50,000)
t3 Topographic map from USGS & Microsoft - used to be called Terraserver (USA 1:24,000)
t4 (New) Topographic map from CalTopo.com & USGS (USA 1:24,000) <=== Best quality

To open Gmap4 with Google's hybrid view:
http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?t=h&q=http://url_to_your_file

Something might be going on with Bogley's PHP script that serves up the attachment.
I tried to open slot's file in a new tab with this URL:
http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?t=h&q=http://www.bogley.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=51272&d=1329143759

By default, Gmap4 will center and zoom the map so that all of the data file is on the map.
But when I used the above URL, Gmap4 thought the map should be centered at latlng 0,0
This is an indication that the data file never reached Gmap4.

Can you check this on your end?

[Joseph]

Sweet! I got my map fixed: http://www.bogley.com/forum/showthread.php?56133-4000-miles!!!-%28Live%29

Now to find the others... :ne_nau:

Google is your friend. Search on: gmap4 accadacca site:bogley.com/forum
Scan the hits for "Started by accadacca"

[Joseph]

Recently Gmap4 was updated to version 4.1 and now includes a unique map-in-a-link feature that is worth mentioning. Anyone can now make a custom map and save their data right in a Gmap4 link. You do not need to save your data in a separate file such as a GPX or KML file. This may be the easiest and faster way for you to make a custom online topographic map.

To try out this feature:
1. Click Menu ==> Draw and Save
2. Click the map a few times to set draggable symbols and draw a line
3. Rightclick any symbol and select

[Joseph]

Some of you already know that Gmap4 is a general purpose file viewing tool for GPX, TPO, KML, KMZ and a couple of other file types.

I have posted beta version 934 (June 13th) that lets Gmap4 also be a general purpose WMS viewer. Why might you care? At last count there were approximately 1.2 bazillion WMS servers out there and this beta code can display most of that data. Specifically, you can:

* Build a Gmap4 link to display multiple layers from multiple WMS servers
* Turn transparent layers on/off one at a time or all together
* Change the stacking order of transparent layers
* Display transparent layers on top of any basemap hardcoded into Gmap4 or on top of any basemap added via WMS

As a software developer, it is always exciting to develop a feature that is first-of-its-kind. If there is any other software that lets you "click link - see WMS data", I would like to know about it.

For example, here is a link that starts the Gmap4 beta code and displays a basemap which is the Google aerial centered near Denver and a WMS overlay showing the boundaries of federally owned land. Zoom in for more detail. This boundary data covers the USA. A fast way to shift the map to your own area is Menu ==> Search.
Link to federal land boundary map (http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/beta/gmap4_beta_934.php?ll=39.740986,-104.996338&t=h,Public_land&z=8&markers=||title=<div%20style=&quot;font-weight:bold;&quot;>Federal%20Land<br%20/>Boundaries<br%20/><a%20href=&quot;http://wildfire.cr.usgs.gov/arcgis/services/geomac_dyn/MapServer/WMSServer?request=GetLegendGraphic&version=1.3.0&format=image/png&layer=1&quot;%20target=&quot;_blank&quot;>Map%20key</a><br%20/><a%20href=&quot;http://www.geomac.gov/index.shtml&quot;%20target=&quot;_blank&quot;>Data%20source</a><br%20/><a%20href=&quot;http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4_about_wms_map.html&quot;%20target=&quot;_blank&quot;>About%20this%20map</a></div>&wms=http://wildfire.cr.usgs.gov/ArcGIS/services/geomac_dyn/MapServer/WMSServer?layers=1&transparent=true&name=Public_land)

The Gmap4 beta page has more examples and documentation showing step-by-step how to make your own Gmap4 links to display any WMS data you wish to see.
http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4_beta.html

The example maps on the beta page include:
* USA map with current weather radar
* NOAA coastal navigation charts including the most detailed charts
* Current forest fire boundaries
* Index to 1:24,000 scale topos for USA
* Index to 1:50,000 scale topos for Canada
* and more

There might be some kind of limit as to how complex(?) these maps can be. Gmap4 uses the Google map API but Google