Google Maps API Family

Currently, there are six different flavors of the Google Maps API. I’ll briefly describe the ones that need more explanation.

• Google Maps Javascript API
• Google Maps API for Flash
• Google Earth API
• Google Static Maps API – For embedding a simple image of a map
• Google Maps Web Services – Useful for directions, information about places…
• Google Maps Data API – For viewing, updating, and storing map data

Getting Started with Google Maps API

First of all, signing up is easy. You simply need to apply for a single Maps API key at the Google Maps API Sign Up page. All you need is a Google account and provide a website URL in which you will use the API.

My project using Google Maps API

Then after that, simply follow the developer’s guide to the respective API of your choice to get started. I’ve used the Google Maps Javascript API quite a bit and it was fairly easy to get it up and running. I started by reading The “Hello World” of Google Maps to get started and then after that followed the rest of the tutorials and tried out lots of the examples. The neat thing about examples is that you can view the code to see how developers implement different features onto their Google Maps.

So if you ever had any ideas for an application that could make use of a map, you should definitely give Google Maps API a try. Below is a video of Google Maps API and Yelp.

Table of contents for Learn how to create a website series

1. Learn how to create a website using a Template
2. Understanding the Basic Structure of a Website
3. Choosing a template for your website
4. Editing the CSS Template to Make a Website

Finding the right template

Finding the correct template for your needs can be quite tricky. For example, I needed something clean and fresh while maintaining a level of professionalism so I decided to go with the layout found on my personal website. If you noticed, you can get a nice looking website once you find the right template.

But how did I find it first of all? I simply dug around the internet. Google for me was a great place to start but for those that need help, I’ll show you a couple of sites that will give you a head start.

Note for tutorial

For purposes of the tutorial I encourage everyone to use BigSpaceLove found on the front page of Free-CSS-Templates so you can follow me step by step. This template is fairly easy to edit.

Where to find free CSS templates

• Smashing Magazine – 100 Free High Quality XHTML/CSS Templates – Great list showing off a large variety of templates
• 1st Web Designer- 101 High Quality CSS and XHTML Free Templates and Layouts – Another great list you shouldn’t miss out on
• Itensivstation – Basic CSS Templates – For those who want to start from scratch check out these templates
• Mitch Bryson – Free CSS Templates – More basic CSS templates
• FreeCSSTemplates.org
• Free-CSS-Templates

So once I have a template what now?

You are almost there. Once you have a template all we have to do is set up our environment, and start editing! (Remember, to use BigSpaceLove found on the front page of Free-CSS-Templates so you can follow my tutorial step by step.)