The MapKit framework on the iPhone is pretty basic. I would like to add directions (e.g. from the user's current location to a specific location where there is an annotation), both on the map and as a list of instructions. MapKit does not support this (yet), so I think the only option is to do it in a UIWebView embedded in the app. It really is not obvious to me (after much googling) if this is allowed by Google (in particular, this app would not be free).
In Google Maps API v2 a key is required, but that doesn't make any sense for this iPhone app (so the map HTML is not being fetched but in effect would be stored on the iPhone, so the key cannot refer to any web server). In Google Maps API v3 it sounds like a key is no longer required, but that API doesn't have directions in it yet (but it sounds like that is coming). Related to this, the Google Maps API FAQ (http://code.google.com/apis/ maps/faq.html) says: "The Google Maps JavaScript API v3 has been developed to cater to mobile devices, and is suitable for browser applications targetted at both the desktop and devices that include a web browser with a full JavaScript implementation, such as the Apple iPhone." but then it says: "To incorporate Maps in a native iPhone application, use the Apple iPhone Map Kit framework." So the Google FAQ is saying that Maps API v3 works well on devices like the iPhone but then it says don't use it. So from my perspective UIWebView is in effect an embedded browser (so could contain a Google map) and of course it can be used in a "native" iPhone application, so the distinction the FAQ is making also doesn't really make sense (although of course the map in a UIWebView would be driven by JavaScript rather than Objective-C, so maybe that is what the word "native" is referring to). If the Map Kit framework doesn't provide some functionality (e.g. directions) then the only way out is to use the Google Maps API (assuming it is allowed, that is). Or am I missing something? --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Google Maps API" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/google-maps-api?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
