Google Map API - Adding Trails = need every coordinate?

JavaScript
1

Hello,

I am well versed in design and PHP programming but when it comes to javascript (and Google’s API for their maps) I’m pretty rusty. I don’t need someone to provide me with exact answers on this, but just any advice on the best way to achieve … or if you want to give me the exact code, that’s cool too. :stuck_out_tongue:

I am potentially working on a project that would involve using Google Maps as a base and overlaying all of the various trails that can be found in the Minnesota area (snowmobile trails in winter, hiking in summer, etc).

I have been reading up on the API for Google Maps and from what I’ve read so far, it appears that to create the lines, you need to input coordinates for any accuracy? Is this correct? I see that I could simply overlay a graphic of the trail map on top of the Google map, but we are looking for something more elegant that actually shows the lines on the map versus an image.

Would we need to have coordinates for every bend / turn of the trail?

Again, I apologize if this is a noob type question, still trying to flesh out how we could achieve this the easiest and most effective way without having to re-invent the wheel.

Any suggestions or tips on achieving this would be greatly appreciated, at least to get me looking in the right direction!

Thanks!

2

Short answer: yes, you need the coordinates.

However, if the area isn’t too heavily wooded, what you can do is use the satellite view and figure out your points from the maps themselves. You can even write a fairly simple program that would let you click the map to add a new segment to the line, which you can then record for showing back.