Hi Tom, The mapping the library project started out (in my head) as simply using existing mapping tools to provide an interface to a map. The way the project went when we sat down and played for a day was slightly different, although still vaguely interesting :)
The thinking behind using Google Maps (which would apply to other 'mapping' interfaces - e.g. OpenLayers) was simply you get a set of tools that are designed to help navigation round a physical space. You can dispense with the geographic representation and simply use your own floorplan images. Whether this is the way to go probably depends on your requirements - but you would get functions like the ability to drop markers etc. 'for free' as it were, and also a well documented approach as the GMaps etc APIs come with good documentation. However, more than once it has been suggested that this is a more complex approach than is required (I'm still not convinced by this - I think there are real strengths to this 'off the shelf' approach) Some other bits and pieces that may be of interest: My writeup of the day we worked on the Mapping the Library project http://www.meanboyfriend.com/overdue_ideas/2009/12/mashing-and-mapping/ A JISC funded project to look at producing 'item locator' service at the LSE http://findmylibrarybook.blogspot.com/ Owen Owen Stephens Owen Stephens Consulting Web: http://www.ostephens.com Email: o...@ostephens.com Telephone: 0121 288 6936 On 30 Jun 2010, at 13:24, Tom Vanmechelen wrote: > We're considering to expand our service with a item locator. "Mapping the > library" (http://mashedlibrary.com/wiki/index.php?title=Mapping_the_library) > describes how to build this with Google maps. But is this really the way to > go? Does anyone has any experience with this? Does anyone have some best > practices for this kind of project knowing that we have about 20 buildings > spread all over the town? > > Tom > > ------------------------------------------- > Tom Vanmechelen > > K.U.Leuven / LIBIS > W. De Croylaan 54 bus 5592 > BE-3001 Heverlee > Tel +32 16 32 27 93
