Did someone mention a chart plotter? If so have a look-see:
Its hot off the presses so don’t know what options it will need yet, just used three example zooms levels – other options would include the mobile map style. (You can change it by altering the link in Properties)
Also its standard Google Maps, as that is all the API offers. Ideally would be proper flight plan data, but would need a Static Map API to work.
Note: The map is centered on the camera position (so is ideal for the Flight Simulator) – and while it can be used in other modes it wont make much sense. If interest could make one that shows the center of the view itself.
Disclaimer: this is entering the gray area of what is possible with the Static Maps API, so might get pulled, etc.
Nice job Barry! I agree the static maps API limitations may prevent you from using this method if it becomes popular. Maybe we can convince Google they should add it themselves though!
A number of people (including Frank!) have contacted me suggesting moving the map to the right side. So I think will move it to the right side – same vertical position.
Shout NOW if you dont like this idea, or if it should be a config option.
It is neat but at high zoom when you fly over water the map is all blue but where you are looking at (out of the front window of the plane as opposed to looking straight down) is land so your map shows what is BELOW (all blue) you but not what is in front (the land).
In short, you need an offset in the direction of travel that is proportional to the zoom level (and finer grained levels of zoom – 10 would be great).
Interesting idea – but my understanding that would not be a ‘plotter’, which by definition shows your current position.
Would need some interesting maths….
hi. i tried using it since yesterday but today i experience some problem..instead of showing the map there is an X appearing on the map…any suggestion about it? what is it actually?why the X is appearing instead of the map? thanks!
Nice work on the Chart plotter! I was looking for something exactly like this. Do you have a reference or for how to get started on a project like this? I understand the screen overlay syntax, and network link, but I do not understand how to get the right google map view as an image I can overlay.
For my project I would like to iterate on your solution. I have a flight boundary as a kml file and I really need to be able to see that boundary in your 2D google map, while I navigate in google earth.
Awesome job!
@Taylor
Its ‘powered’ by the Google Static Maps API
http://code.google.com/apis/maps/documentation/staticmaps/
You can plot paths on the map, but you will need to read your KML file (or store in a database) and pick the appriate bits to go with your map.
Checkout the Maps API Google Group which has more information on working with static maps ’server side’ to get bounds etc.