New Posting Features - Phoogle! An interactive Google Maps mapping system.

Keywords: Phoogle, Google, Maps, BBCode

Description:
Allows for the insertion of interactive Google Maps within posts via a new BBCode. Supports point labeling as well as multiple points per map.

Details:
I became increasingly annoyed after seeing more and more links to maps being butchered when posted on forums. I had remembered seeing the nifty Phoogle Maps and figured, "why not?"

A few headaches later.. here we are.

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Usage:
[map]value[/map]
[map=Option]value[/map]

Example:
[map]1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500[/map]
[map=The White House]1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500[/map]

Multiple Locations Example:
[map]1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500;E Capitol St NE & 1st St NE, Washington, DC 20001[/map]
[map=The White House;Capitol Building]1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500;E Capitol St NE & 1st St NE, Washington, DC 20001[/map]

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Installation:

1. Download and import product-phoogle2.0Beta1.xml via the Product Manager.
2. If you do not already have one, obtain a free Google Maps API key.
3. Configure Phoogle! via the AdminCP (vBulletin Options > Phoogle Settings).
4. ???
5. Profit!

Notes:
When adding/editing a map via AJAX Quick Reply or Quick Edit, you must refresh the page to see changes.

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Comments:
As with all my hacks, this modification is provided free of charge. However, if you find this product useful and have money burning a hole in your pocket, feel free to make a small donation, I won't mind.. really.

Version History:

• 1.0.0 - Initial release, here's to hoping..
• 1.0.1 - Added check for post preview, [map] code will NOT be parsed when previewing (because it can't).
• 1.1.0
  • Eliminated need for functions_phoogle.php
  • Modified way [map] tags are parsed
  • Moved previously static html to templates
  • Changed way multiple locations per posts is defined (separated by ;)
  • Added check for cURL() if not, uses file_get_contents()
• 2.0 Beta 1
  • Proper error handling. Will now verify address (and make reccomended changes) before submitting.
  • Javascript will not be loaded on pages that do not have maps (woops!)
  • Few internal tweaks to (hopefully) speed things up.
• 2.0 Beta 2 - Plays nice with the [noparse][/noparse] tags. (thanks Tralala)

* Please note that this modification was developed on a forum with a userbase of 1 (myself). I've tested it for basic functionality but I cannot guarantee functionality or behavior on your forum. So, please -- make backups before installing this product!

[magnus]

Originally Posted by Tralala

And when I create a third map in a thread, it has three markers on it... it's as if all of the maps reference the maps that come before it on the same page.

I also noticed I could not include two maps in single post... it only displays the last one. I tested with multiple refreshes.

Hrm. I can tell what's happening, but for the life of me I cannot figure out why. As mentioned before, I'm working on a different handling system for the [map] tag. I had to 'tweak' things to make them fit within BBcode standards, which I wasn't happy about.

[magnus]

Originally Posted by Darat

I'm having the same type of problems as Tralala, I can let you have access to my devforum if you want to check it out.

Just out of curiosity, are you using PHP4, too?

[Tralala]

Originally Posted by magnus

Hrm. I'm using PHP5. I wonder..

I'm going to try downgrading.

Thanks for the continued work, magnus. I certainly appreciate it as this mod looks like it'd be a great addition to my forum.

[ThePiston]

this would be perfect for my new site www.googlemapsforum.com but alas I have same problem - no map, just blank space. I use dreamhost and I uploaded the new php file, sill all white

[Tralala]

Originally Posted by ThePiston

this would be perfect for my new site www.googlemapsforum.com but alas I have same problem - no map, just blank space. I use dreamhost and I uploaded the new php file, sill all white

Just FYI, the map doesn't show up via an AJAX QuickReply or QuickEdit... but it does if you refresh the page. Did you try that?

[magnus]

Ok, we're getting somewhere. Just need to clean up the code and package it. I've eliminated the need for an external file (functions_phoogle.php). I'm also using the default vB_XML_Parser() class instead of using my own.

A few minutes more of testing, and I'll upload it.

One thing to note is I've changed the way multiple points are added to the map. No longer will separate [map][/map] tags per post work. The new format is:

[map=Point 1;Point 2]Address 1;Address 2[/map]

Not sure how friendly that is.. so, unless someone has a better idea? :P

[ThePiston]

Originally Posted by Tralala

Just FYI, the map doesn't show up via an AJAX QuickReply or QuickEdit... but it does if you refresh the page. Did you try that?

yep, tried that... i have another google map mod that does come up so the key is right.

[lightmajestic]

I have the same issue with the blank square. Let me know if you need to see any of my settings etc. I'd love to use this.

cheers
Rick

[magnus]

Update:
v1.1.0

• Eliminated need for functions_phoogle.php
• Modified way [map] tags are parsed
• Moved previously static html to templates
• Changed way multiple locations per posts is defined (separated by ;)
• Added check for cURL() if not, uses file_get_contents()

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If you are upgrading you may delete the functions_phoogle.php uploaded previously to your /forum/includes/ directory as it is no longer needed.

Remember, if you're having problems please read this post first!

[magnus]

Originally Posted by bela-meaad

why can`t we use
latitude & longitude
as Value?

isn`t good idea?

Thanks

I'll add it in the next release once I'm sure the basic framework is working across multiple installs.