Hey team,
This is a topic that has been on my mind as a possible area of future functionality for peopleofpraise.org, after the online directory has been created. Potentially, this idea could even be directly integrated with the new online directory.
My thought is to map out all the addresses of every community member, using the Google Maps API. The open source code base, initially started by the creators of maps.google.com, and built upon by members of the open source community via the Google-Maps-API group, as well as google maps api blog, etc., sets a longitude and latitude point for just about every location in the world -- like a gps system.
As an example of what can be done, the API allows a developer to organize records in a text file, xls, xml, etc. (new ways are being thought of by the day), and pull them into a custom visual display on the map, as well as include search capabilities using the Google AJAX Search API.
As my first personal attempt, I hard coded most of the addresses of the Servant Branch - Campus Area members into an html which is pulls the data onto a map embedded in a template version of peopleofpraise.org, here.
As another example, I read of a developer - recently hired by Google after his creation was recognized - who developed a more complex map-based site, which pulls data related to rentals and homes for sale as posted on craigslist.org, and maps out the information with pictures, prices, and contact info. For more info, visit HousingMaps.com
I would propose that such development could be a very useful tool for the community, in mapping out our current residency and creating online visual displays of areas that we would like to target for growth: new starts, clusters in existing branches, affordable housing, etc.
Please post your thoughts & feedback if this is something worth pursuing.
-Hugh Jr
Thumbs up
I really like google maps. I think there are a lot of ways we could use it. I haven't researched this very much, but the biggest obstacle I see is connected addresses with coordinates. You can put pins on the map given the coordinates, but can find all of the coordinates given the address? We have the mailing list for Vine & Branches, so we already have all of the address data. Once we can map that to coordinates, we can start doing some really cool stuff. One of the intriguing applications is directions: type in "directions to Smiths". It knows your address. It knows the Smith's address. It should be pretty simple from there. Or, for public events, we could have a google map of the location. Or visitors could type in their address and get directions to the location.
Jeremy Osterhouse