Creating Interactive, Collaborative Online Maps for Community Planning using the Google Maps API
1. Creating Interactive, Collaborative
Online Maps for Community Planning
using the Google Maps API
Cary Chadwick, Geospatial Training Program Coordinator
University of Connecticut Center for Land Use Education & Research (CLEAR)
Ken Livingston, AICP
Vice President, Fitzgerald & Halliday, Inc.
David Dickson, NEMO Network Coordinator
University of Connecticut Center for Land Use Education & Research (CLEAR)
2. Center for Land Use Education and Research at the University of Connecticut
Google Maps Brings Mapping to the Masses
National LID Atlas CT Bike Map MDC Road Closures
Did you see
that map?
I think it is a
Google Map!
7. Center for Land Use Education and Research at the University of Connecticut
Working with the Google Maps API
What You Need to Know:
API = Application Programming Interface
Provides access to an application (Google Maps)
Flexible and customizable
Mobile and browser friendly
Requires some programming knowledge to unlock full potential
Lots of online HELP!
Many ways to make a map with the Google API
8. Center for Land Use Education and Research at the University of Connecticut
Let’s See it in Action!
National LID Atlas CT Bike Map
MDC Road Closures
12. Center for Land Use Education and Research at the University of Connecticut
13. Center for Land Use Education and Research at the University of Connecticut
The FREE! Technology Behind The Magic
1. Google Maps API
2. My SQL Database
3. A Smart Programmer
(or two or three)
4. Google Forms
14. Center for Land Use Education and Research at the University of Connecticut
Navigating the Atlas – the Map
http://clear.uconn.edu/tools/lidmap
www.tinyurl.com/lidatlas
Google: LID Atlas
15. Center for Land Use Education and Research at the University of Connecticut
Navigating the Atlas – Finding Projects
16. Center for Land Use Education and Research at the University of Connecticut
Navigating the Atlas – Finding Projects
17. Center for Land Use Education and Research at the University of Connecticut
Navigating the Atlas – Finding Projects
18. Center for Land Use Education and Research at the University of Connecticut
Adding to the Atlas – 3 Ways
1. On the site
2. Bulk upload
3. Become a user david.dickson@uconn.e
du
19. Center for Land Use Education and Research at the University of Connecticut
Usage Statistics
National LID Atlas Monthly Usage
(unique visitors)
2000
1800
1600
1400
1200
1000
975
800
600
400
200
0
National Map Embed Maps
20. Center for Land Use Education and Research at the University of Connecticut
Steal our Atlas, please!
www.youtube.com/nemohub
21. Center for Land Use Education and Research at the University of Connecticut
Thanks! Now start adding your sites.
David Dickson
UConn CLEAR/Extension
Email: david.dickson@uconn.edu
Web: http://nemonet.uconn.edu
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/nemohub
23. In the
Beginning…
• Hard copy
• Reprinted???
• Updated???
• Easy to use???
Page 23
SNEAPA Conference
Google Maps API
Friday, October 21, 2011
24. CT Bike Map Purpose
• On‐line version of
paper map
• Include additional
geographic information
• Cost effective
• Easily hosted
• Easily updated
• Cutting edge
Page 24
SNEAPA Conference
Google Maps API
Friday, October 21, 2011
25. The Process
• Develop line coverage in ArcGIS
– Suitability of roads based on shoulder width
and traffic volumes
– Obtain multi‐use trails and bicycle paths from variety of sources
• Municipalities
• Regional agencies
• Community organizations
• Export KML files
• Coding/Web design
• Create awareness of on‐line map
Page 25
SNEAPA Conference
Google Maps API
Friday, October 21, 2011
26. Behind the Curtain
Page 26
SNEAPA Conference
Google Maps API
Friday, October 21, 2011
28. Using the Bicycle Map
Search by address
Page 28
SNEAPA Conference
Google Maps API
Friday, October 21, 2011
29. Using the Bicycle Map
Search by address
Page 29
SNEAPA Conference
Google Maps API
Friday, October 21, 2011
30. Using the Bicycle Map
Search for statewide routes
Page 30
SNEAPA Conference
Google Maps API
Friday, October 21, 2011
31. Using the Bicycle Map
Search by road suitability for bicycling
Page 31
SNEAPA Conference
Google Maps API
Friday, October 21, 2011
32. Using the Bicycle Map
Search for multi-use paths
Page 32
SNEAPA Conference
Google Maps API
Friday, October 21, 2011
33. What We Have Heard
Page 33
SNEAPA Conference
Google Maps API
Friday, October 21, 2011
34. Give Me the Numbers!!!
Page 34
SNEAPA Conference
Google Maps API
Friday, October 21, 2011
35. Future Improvements
• Receive user comments/feedback
• Bicycling directions
• Integration of Google StreetView
• Integrate with other social media such
– Twitter
– Facebook
Page 35
SNEAPA Conference
Google Maps API
Friday, October 21, 2011
37. The Clean Water Project
• Metropolitan District Commission
(MDC)
– 8 communities
– Regional water and sewer services
• Federal consent decree
• Reduce combine sewer overflows
• Eliminate sanitary sewer
overflows
• $1 billion in projects
• Complete by 2020
Page 37
SNEAPA Conference
Google Maps API
Friday, October 21, 2011
38. MDC Traffic Information
• Regional work program
• Dig up streets throughout region
– Roads closed
– Lanes closed
– Diversions
• Emergency repairs
• Real time updates
• Businesses/commuters/residents/emergency
responders
• Coordination with municipalities/utilities
Page 38
SNEAPA Conference
Google Maps API
Friday, October 21, 2011
40. Behind the Curtain
Page 40
SNEAPA Conference
Google Maps API
Friday, October 21, 2011
41. Day to Day Upkeep
Determine
Daily Activity
Upload to Geocode
Cloud Activity
Coordinate
Export to CSV
with
file
Contractors
Input Project
Information
Page 41
SNEAPA Conference
Google Maps API
Friday, October 21, 2011
44. Search by Address
Page 44
SNEAPA Conference
Google Maps API
Friday, October 21, 2011
45. Information Windows
Page 45
SNEAPA Conference
Google Maps API
Friday, October 21, 2011
46. Getting the Word Out
Page 46
SNEAPA Conference
Google Maps API
Friday, October 21, 2011
47. Give Me the Numbers!!!
Page 47
SNEAPA Conference
Google Maps API
Friday, October 21, 2011
48. Lessons Learned
• Technology and
options constantly
evolving
• Public appreciates and
expects innovation
• Need to work with GIS
and web designers
together
• Options are infinite
Page 48
SNEAPA Conference
Google Maps API
Friday, October 21, 2011
49. Another Great Example
http://youmovemassachusetts.org/map.php
Page 49
SNEAPA Conference
Google Maps API
Friday, October 21, 2011