How-to: Use Location to reference KML files

G'Day,

Sorry for the disorientation, but perhaps someone could explain how/if Location can be used to provide KML files to mashup with the standard GMap basemap? I have searched the Issues for "KML" = 0 hits... so here goes:

In my experience, the process of geo-location often requires a user to have more information than is provided by a simple google map (think sector/context specific: eg, scientific research areas...user defined/abstract boundaries). Without these boundaries, the user cannot decide where to click to geocode their current content item since their frame of reference is not part of the Google base maps.

It seems to me that Location could provide a pathway: Gmap base layer + KML overlays = robust locative solution

I have a pile of KML files (shapes) that I can publish as node attachments (?). How? Am I missing an obvious answer?

If not, here is a usecase:

A. Make KMLs available to GMap:

1. Going to the Location configuration interface, under the [Map Links] tab, perhaps there is a new section that allows for "User Defined Overlays" I could either specify a content type that was dedicated to storing my KML collection, or I could point to a file directory where they are all stored.

2. In case there are many KMLs to manage, the user could choose to "add another" kml collection (and name/tag it).

B. Specify KML collection in node edit

3. The GMap module loads as normal, but under the map is a new select list to "choose user defined overlays"

4. The user points to a collection, and a new routine now runs. The specified KML collection is loaded into the google map api (?) and then the current GMap extent is drawn, with the KML files overlayed (to the extent they are visible)

C. Encode the GMap macro

5. The GMap module now needs to carry the additional KML information.

So this has connections with GMap (obviously?) but perhaps this is a good place to ask for more direction/discussion.

Thanks indeed,

JB