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.

[hr]-[/hr]
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]

[hr]-[/hr]
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.

[hr]-[/hr]
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!

[jwashburn]

I cant get it to work. I am using the default settings. I am trying to use the white house example and I get invalid address

[Digital Jedi]

Originally Posted by jwashburn

I cant get it to work. I am using the default settings. I am trying to use the white house example and I get invalid address

Clear the red coloring and bolded text from your address. I get the same error if I try to put in text with formatting applied. It's trying to parse the [b] and [color] codes as part of the address.

[cynthetiq]

I'd like to try to get this to float the image via bbcode.

can anyone explain how I can make a map bbcode replacement like:

<div style="float: left"></div>

[pedrovazquez10]

Its posible to put the adress with coordinates or POIs?

[dibbz]

Has anybody had any luck getting Australian addresses to work?

[Digital Jedi]

Originally Posted by cynthetiq

I'd like to try to get this to float the image via bbcode.

can anyone explain how I can make a map bbcode replacement like:

<div style="float: left"></div>

I did this on my forum by simply creating a stand-alone float BBCode in the Admin CP. Then I just wrap it around the the Map code when I go to post it. For example:

[float=right][map]1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500[/map][/float]

Not as integrated as you may like, but the option is you can float either left or right.

[cynthetiq]

thank you. I just wasn't sure if the wrap would still work and was too afraid (or lazy) to try.

thanks for your input.

[Digital Jedi]

Originally Posted by cynthetiq

thank you. I just wasn't sure if the wrap would still work and was too afraid (or lazy) to try.

thanks for your input.

No problem. It works great, though I should point out, there's a slight issue when there's not a lot of text in the post. It will wrap the user's signature around the object as well. Not a problem when you have a lot of text in the post, or when you get a bunch of hard returns to post underneath. Or if you just turn you sig off for that post. Other then that, it has a very professional look.

[cynthetiq]

anyone get the address inside the map cloud pointer to wrap? otherwise it's just long and goes outside the map window and you cannot read it all.

[pheller]

Works well, however I'd like to do Multiline text in the balloon... possible?

Also, would it be possible to place an ordered list of the entries in a scrollable div layer within the same post, such that the entry could be clickable and cause the embedded map to show the entry's balloon?