Maybe you could sort this out with the embed map, and provide the results as in this latest Google release.

The map is small, users can tell immediately how to apply directions as well.

The polyline is on the small map, and directions are right beside the map. Very compact and efficient.

http://googlemapsapi.blogspot.com/2007/05/driving-directions-support-add...

I have a site that I am using your mod for now, but users get confused when the big map pops up. LOL

Also, the direction thingy is often the wrong way. The little two headed arrow thing works fine... if they see it.

The map is very important on the site, because I can create the destination on the map and users can get directions to the location on the map.

Maybe, you could tweak this mod or release one that can include the new API stufff.

Anyway, I appreciate this module for sure.

Thanks

Comments

domineaux’s picture

domineaux commented

Here is the link.

http://googlemapsapi.blogspot.com/2007/05/driving-directions-support-add...

andreashaugstrup’s picture

andreashaugstrup commented
Status: Active » Closed (won't fix)

This module does not employ the Google Maps API on purpose (it is specifically meant for people who cannot or won't deal with that API). If you want advanced Google Maps support look at GMap module. However, it is quite easy to embed driving directions using the embed_gmap module!

To embed a map with driving directions to the following:

* Go to maps.google.com and create your driving directions.
* At the top right corner of the finished map click the Link link.
* Copy either of the links (the URL or the iframe code).
* Paste the URL or iframe code into the embed_gmap field when creating a new node

Voila! Now your driving directions are embedded in the node. No GMap API necessary.

domineaux’s picture

domineaux commented

Sorry, I wasn't clear enough.

I need for users to see on a map the specific location destination, which doesn't change.

The users can be located anywhere. Users enter their location information,ie., address,city,state,zipcode. Google builds the polyline and directions to the specific location destination only.

I'm trying to keep this as simple as possible.

I like the new API format shown in the link, because it has everything contained within a small area,it looks great and it's simple to understand

http://googlemapsapi.blogspot.com/2007/05/driving-directions-support-add...

I should also mention the language widget is a terrific addition as well.

Many users in this particular instance do speak different languages.

Your mod provides a popup cloud with the entry for finding directions on the map view. It is pretty well placed and simple enough.

The problem is often the "from here" and "to here" get mixed up and users get frustrated with backward directions. Dealing with the large google map screen and all the options is difficult for users to sort out.

andreashaugstrup’s picture

andreashaugstrup commented

This is beyond the scope of this module. You need something that uses the GMap APIto link an address to a place. This module does not use the GMap API on purpose—it is for people who want to embed maps without having to register for an API key.

You want to build on the execellent GMap module I linked to in my last comment.

domineaux’s picture

domineaux commented

I use your module and it works well.

There are some issues I've had, which i previously mention.

I don't blame those issues on your module by any means, as they are Google issues.

Using the GMap just seems like OVERKILL for such a small functional area I want to address on the site.

Thank you very much for the module and your responses to me.

domineaux’s picture

domineaux commented

I thought I should share this with you because it is important to users of this module.

In my particular instance the website is for a local business.

The website has been indexed with Google Local Business and DMOZ.

The Google local business is a controversial service, but it has benefits free to site builders.

Anyway, instead of typing just the address into the directions box under edit of the node I entered:

The business name as it appears in Google Local Business as follows: Business Name, address, City, State, Zipcode

This altered your directions popup significantly. I have a picture associated with the business on Google Business Listing and that pictures shows in the popup. By including the Business name in the directions box I get a nice little information blurb about the business. You click on the picture and it takes you to the full Google local Business listing.

The BIG Google map is overkill for sure, but basically I think the tradeoffs while using the Google Local Business listings may be an excellent addition.

The Google local business listing so available I think is a PLUS, because it's like having another website and it really points to the Business as being LOCAL.

I hope this little blurb helps others, and if you think it is worth something you may use the content in describing your module.

Thanks again for a great addition to my site