[RESOLVED] Google Maps

[NZ_Kiwis]

A few years ago you could get a google map key and display maps on your website with custom icons, lines and markers on there.

It seems you now need to purchase a licence for this? is this correct?

is there another map tool our there which is free?

[bradgrafelman]

Depends on what exactly your needs are. The licensing page shows that there is still a free option available.

[NZ_Kiwis]

I want to place markers on my map and draw lines between them.

What does google call this?

[NZ_Kiwis]

okay well the use of maps will be by subscription at some point so i'll need an alternative.

is there one out there?

[Weedpacket]

I want to place markers on my map and draw lines between them.

What does google call this?

I admit I had no idea, so I had to look through the API's documentation to find an answer.
https://developers.google.com/maps/d...rence#Polyline
Or for the static interface: https://developers.google.com/maps/d...ps/index#Paths

okay well the use of maps will be by subscription at some point so i'll need an alternative.

By this do you mean that you'll want people to pay for the use of your services but you refuse to pay someone else for the use of their services?

[NZ_Kiwis]

By this do you mean that you'll want people to pay for the use of your services but you refuse to pay someone else for the use of their services?

Yes. It's not that uncommon. Do I need to invest money in google maps well as I know more about my project than you I know it's a nice to have and i'm not prepared to invest more in it for this nice to have feature.

I've found a way of using a picture and using GD lib to draw on it.

[Ashley Sheridan]

Yes. It's not that uncommon.

Actually, I'd say the opposite. Most of the great 3rd party libraries out there that are free to use charge for commercial purposes. However, you might be able to use openstreetmap.org, I don't know if that charges though?

[Weedpacket]

Yes. It's not that uncommon. Do I need to invest money in google maps well as I know more about my project than you I know it's a nice to have and i'm not prepared to invest more in it for this nice to have feature.

Trying to parse out that run-on sentence, I've found on one occasion that paying for a license was worthwhile simply because of the traffic limits on the free license; the site was successful enough to afford it.