We have made a modification to JeepTalk to allow any Member to Post a Google Map inside the actual post. This can be useful to post locations, directions, trail spots, roads, to any wheeling spot in the World or club event.

This is a Live Map that you will be able to zoom in/out, grab the map and move it, double click on it, switch from map, to Sat, to Hybrid view and more.

We want it to test it a bit more but someone let the cat out of the bag and he is now paying dearly for it. I will not mention any names but he runs the JOM contest. We are also working on a few other things which I know for sure they will not be reveal this time until we feel all is working before we introduce them.


Now for the simple instructions:

1. First you need to create your map here: http://maps.google.com/
2. Zoom in to desire view, move it around, place any markers you wish.
3. Once you are satisfied on the top right of the map you will see "Link to this Page"
4. A box will open and you will see 2 code lines being displayed.
5. Choose the first one that is labeled "Paste link in email or IM", copy this link to your Clipboard.
6. Go to JeepTalk, open Compose window to reply or start a post or thread as you would normal.

7. When you are ready to post the map you will see a Quick Access Insert BBCode box on the left underneath the emoticons. You will also see this on a drop down menu to the left of the "Fonts" drop down box called "Insert Special Item".

8. Choose the one that says "GoogleMap"

9. A Main box will open that contains 2 white boxes for you to place information. You will also see the help messages.

10. The first box labeled "Option Text", this is where you will enter the Map URL that you created in steps 1 through 5.

11. The Second Box labeled " Content Text", you will enter the name of your Map.
12. Hit OK and you are done. The code will be placed in the body of the post.

I suggest you use the Test Forum to practice.

Once you get the hang of it, it will be really easy. The hardest part will be creating the Map.
When you are creating the map keep in mind that what you see on the screen is the information that will show in the URL you copy on the Jeep Talk post.


Below are some samples:

Florida hybrid view:


Florida map view:


Moab, Utah hybrid view of the main town strip:


Moab, Utah map view of the main town strip:


Tellico Plains, TN, State Line , Murphy, NC:


Enjoy and let me know if you have any questions.
Admin

COOL! It's great to have someone as helpful as you are to lead us into new and exciting areas on this forum!

Good show Admin! Yes I'm paying dearly and promise that I will not post anything ahead of time that I'm testing until all is working perfect.

Now for a question that you and I had. Everyone please look at the size of the map. Originally it was much smaller and Admin made the box bigger... is this a good size or should it be smaller

We did not want it too big because of smaller resolution screens. Since it is a Live Map you can grab it and move it around so even the smaller box would not matter but the larger viewing is a bit nicer to see more at once. What are every one's thoughts on this

Admin, we noticed yesterday that if you put an address into Google maps and then link it into this forum. the marker that is placed is placed in the center of the map as it is shown when you link it. It wont keep the same marker as the address you searched.

Is there anway for it to remember the location of the marker, or do you just need to make sure when you post a map you have your location centered?

this is going to be a great advent. is there any chance of eventually being able to upload .kmz files (google earth)?

-dave

Hmmm, it looks like you are correct, was not aware of this as we never tested with the markers. You basically have found a solution, there is nothing we can do at this end since it is a Live map that links to Google themselves.

Can you post a step by step instructions for others to follow when using one or multiple markers so they show up in the correct place. There is really nothing we can do to correct this because the code would be intensive to even try and out think Google. I have not seen any other Jeep forum have this feature and I'm sure if we can all communicate in the proper use, it will be beneficial for everyone.


JeepTalk has a feature in where Members can upload files and share, any type of file... music, programs, images, etc. We do not have this feature turned on as it takes up a good amount of server space. We do not limit bandwidth since we do not like to see Red Xs either. You will notice that all members that have a personal Gallery never have this problem in posting pictures anywhere. Yes they do pay a minimal yearly cost but you get what you pay for. In the future we can have a share file section but it would have to be some sort of subscription in order for us to pay for the resources being used. As fo now we do not think that this would be something that the majority would use... kind of like the Personal Jeep Blog.

That said I truly believe that we have one of the best and most secured interfaces and features of any Jeep forum out there. Soon we will be adding one that I think everyone will enjoy.

Admin

I see your point and reasons. I was thinking of having a master file where users could upload files with relational dbx. info attached (like the kmz) in an overlay. Google is working on a web-based server app which will eventaully make this much easier.

long ago, I used to use ARC-GIS to do the same types of thing. We would install a concurrent or 'floating' license on a server which could be deployed to single machines...or....singular apps on workstations and host a file on a server.

different users could log in and create a new layer on the existing base map and add new points of interest via either x/y or gis coordinates with relational info attached (base map is locked to preserve integrity). we used the technology in an altogether different capacity (oil & gas companies spent big $$$ developing this technology), but here at home, i have a google maps file with different wheeling locations over south florida that has notes and pics attached for each.

I'm sure it's not practical to impliment yet, but the technology is coming soon!

-dave

PS - FWIW, i used to work for a software developer who made visualization tools for technical formats. I'll never forget when my boss looked at me and explained to me why partnering with Google was a ludicrous idea because they would never bring anything to the market as substantial as what we were gonna do. This was 5 years ago...