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]

Update:
v2.0 Beta 2

• Plays nice with the [noparse][/noparse] tags. (thanks Tralala)

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

[Tralala]

Now that's what I call fast service. Much appreciated... eager to see what's up your sleeve for the next release.

[Darat]

I seem to be having problems with UK addresses, is this a GoogleMap problem and the problem with UK licences rather then your add-on?

ETA: Rather rude of me not to have said thanks for the latest version that seems to be working well.

[magnus]

Could you provide the address in question? I've tested in with various addresses in the UK and it seemed to work.

[NuclioN]

-- edit -- never mind, solved problem

[Darat]

Originally Posted by magnus

Could you provide the address in question? I've tested in with various addresses in the UK and it seemed to work.

An example would be:

Cookham, Berkshire, United Kingdom

[magnus]

That's an actual physical address? This plots addresses, not general city locations.

[Darat]

Originally Posted by magnus

That's an actual physical address? This plots addresses, not general city locations.

Well that is a general town location but it should be able to map a town shouldn't it?

Anyway here is a perfectly correct UK address:

146 Hope Street, Leigh, Greater Manchester, WN7 1NR, UK

(Try it in the web version of Goggle Maps to see where it should map to.)

If I use that address I get the attached map, which in fact I seem to get for most UK addresses I try.

[MrD]

Hi,
work this Mod with German Adresses ?

[magnus]

Originally Posted by MrD

Hi,
work this Mod with German Adresses ?

It should work with any address. It uses Yahoo to validate the address and Google to plot it. So, if you can put an address into Yahoo! Maps then it will work in Phoogle.