So, here we are: nearly a year later and yet another Google Maps post.
This new version is the next level of progression for the map, which includes some of these new features:
- Use of Google Maps’ default map tiles which shows all streets and other landmarks
- Overlay of all buildings that sits on top of the default Google Maps tiles
- Addition of Driving Directions to/from each building to any address
- Addition of Walking Directions to/from each building to any address
- Wide screen, which leads to much more viewable space
- Links to other key campus maps
While the previous iteration was useful and a big improvement over what the campus map used to be before Google Maps, I think this direction is the right one to take.
The biggest advantage of this update is that the building overlay is being dynamically generated by UA’s Cartography Lab. This means that whenever a building is added or removed from this overlay, you will immediately see the results. With the other map, anytime a building was changed it would mean cutting up the images (it better be exactly the same!) and all of that mess.
The biggest disadvantage of this update is that, due to UA’s recent construction, the roads aren’t really matching up with the buildings. This has more to do with Tuscaloosa not being a major metropolitan area, thus having to wait on Tele Atlas to update their tiles for the University. Eventually they will match up with our ever-changing campus. However, I think the advantages far outweigh any disadvantages from doing this.
Without further ado, here is the new campus map: http://tour.ua.edu/map
Let me know your feedback and opinions in the comments.
Looking for the previous custom Google Map?
Click here if you want to see the old campus map. I have kept it around for informational purposes.
Filed under: Development | Tagged: apps, google maps, javascript
[...] campus map has been updated and no longer uses custom tiles. For more information on this change, please read this post. However, if you would still like to see the results of the above steps, click here to view the [...]