Add a map to my website?

[kslnor]

I would like to add a map to my site, but I'm not sure which, if any, software I can use to do this. I know I can link to MapQuest, but I really want the map on the page - not linked. I have Microsoft Streets & Trips, but I'm not sure if there are any copyright issues. Are there any good programs I can legally use?

Thanks!

[bobothecat]

Why not just make your own maps? Sure it may take longer, but since it'll be original - you just might add more 'value' to your site ( in more ways than one ).

[LifeinAsia]

A lot depends on how you plan to use the map.

The Google Maps API allows you to use the maps on your site with a high degree of customization. You can add your own icons (e.g., hotels, restaurants, etc.). And it's free!

[kslnor]

Thank you for both replies. I would like to create my own map, but I don't know "how". I mean: what is the best drawing software to use to draw the map?

Google Maps API is a great tool, but I would rather not have the Google logo, etc on the map. This map on this site

<url removed, see TOS>

looks like it's a Google map, without the logo. Any idea how this was done? Any further suggestions? thank you.

[edited by: encyclo at 12:57 am (utc) on Feb. 20, 2007]

[zCat]

That looks like a screenshot of the map section, they're not using the API.

[all80]

It's just a guess, but it looks like they've taken a screen shot of the Google map with a browser set to full screen and then cropped out the logos and navigation.

This is a violation of Google terms of use. Don't even risk it.

All the map services I've investigated require that the logos, links, copyrights etc remain on the images.

A mud map is the simplest thing to create. Mud maps do not need to be to scale or include minor roads as long as people can see where the location is relative to main roads. Up to six main roads and any minor roads leading to the address are usually enough.

[kslnor]

Thanks again.

All80: what is a mud map? I understand the general concept of the map not being to scale, few major roads, etc, but is "mud map" a tool I can use to draw my map? Basicall that's waht I need - a tool. Thanks.

[PatrickKerby]

The best tool to create a map would be any vector-based graphics software.
Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, (there's many more.. just no names crawling to the top of my head).

These are ideal for creating maps because you're dealing with shapes rather than pixels, can easily change the colours of sections, thickness of lines, and very important: create scalable graphics with no quality loss.

Usually I will find an official map of the area, and then trace it in Adobe Illustrator. Now, I don't mean perfectly make a duplicate, but moreso use it as a guide for geographical accuracy, then using the tools of the program, make this map suit the style of the website. Sometimes you can really simplify the map and still have it look very good, other times it's best for fine detail. It all depends on the project.

Good luck!

[Tourz]

You can add mouse-over info and pics to maps using css. A good tutorial was written at "A List Apart"