Re: [PHP] PHP and geographic maps
From: Peter J. Schoenster [EMAIL PROTECTED] On 11 Jul 2002 at 16:42, Lowell Allen wrote: [snip/] Can anyone direct me to info on PHP presentation of geographic maps -- tied to a database with locating coordinates? Well heck, you've peaked my interest. I don't see how javascript makes any difference. The power of the app MUST be some server-side app otherwise it would work in any Browser (or please correct me in any way). I'd like to hear more details about this. What kind of maps do they produce? I once worked with on a map site called pixxures.com and they had MANY servers that were SPECFICALLY designed to process requests and return images (ran on linux and solaris and might have worked on windows as the app itself was in java I believe). We only had to provide coordinates from the web form to these apps and they'd return a slice of an image. The JavaScript demo I mentioned in my original post was presented to my client by another company that specializes in GIS. It screened out my Mac, noting incompatibility. I don't know why they chose to rely on JavaScript. I wish I could provide the link to the demo, but I'm sure my client would not approve. pixxures.com is an interesting site. It quickly brought up an image of my downtown location -- cool. -- Lowell Allen -- PHP General Mailing List (http://www.php.net/) To unsubscribe, visit: http://www.php.net/unsub.php
Re: [PHP] PHP and geographic maps
Found by the way. MapServer is an OpenSource development environment for building spatially enabled Internet applications. http://mapserver.gis.umn.edu/doc/phpmapscript-class-guide.html hope it does help robert -- PHP General Mailing List (http://www.php.net/) To unsubscribe, visit: http://www.php.net/unsub.php
Re: [PHP] PHP and geographic maps
On Thu, Jul 11, 2002 at 04:26:38PM -0700, Lazor, Ed wrote: I was just checking it out. That map is awesome! What's funny is that it even has an option to display the picture of a house at the coordinates you specify. Thanks for the compliment *grin* I have no idea why I didn't. Probably just got lazy hehe My only excuse is that I think vacation mode has kicked in - even though it doesn't technically start until tomorrow evening. I'm also very interested in this stuff. I have some plans for storing geographical coordinates in a database (LDAP in my case) and plot locations on a map. I have some simple stuff misusing mapblast, see http://www.venaas.no/whereami/ Stig -- PHP General Mailing List (http://www.php.net/) To unsubscribe, visit: http://www.php.net/unsub.php
Re: [PHP] PHP and geographic maps
From: Martin Towell [EMAIL PROTECTED] I'm currently working on a system that grabs an image from a map server and, using html layers, overlays where the products are. Basically, this is how it's set up. The map server is running on a WinNT system. In the html code, I put am image tag that accesses the web server, passing the x,y coords (formatted as x meters from some origin) and zoom level (plus some other details). I then get the web server to access the map server (this is to shield the map server from the outside world) and basically do a fpassthru() on the data. Can you comment on the technology of the map server? Is it a commercial product or built for your application? I assume it creates the map images -- is that process fast enough for your needs? Meanwhile, the html doc has a layer placed over the map image. This layer contains another image with just the products on it. I get php to generate this second image on the fly by querying the database, filtering out all the products that lay outside the image's area, then I plot the points onto the image. Because there's a lot of other things that are happening on the page (due to the client's requirements), when the user wants to zoom or pan the map, I use js to update the images. Are you using JavaScript to update the image without going back to the map server? If so, does that mean multiple maps are loaded during the interaction with the map server, then called as needed, or is one image created by the map server then modified with JavaScript or PHP for different zoom views and pans? Thanks, I find your project description very helpful. -- Lowell Allen -- PHP General Mailing List (http://www.php.net/) To unsubscribe, visit: http://www.php.net/unsub.php
Re: [PHP] PHP and geographic maps
Lowell: On Fri, Jul 12, 2002 at 09:25:56AM -0400, Lowell Allen wrote: Are you using JavaScript to update the image without going back to the map server? Dude, Dynamic HTML / JavaScript are a poor idea... unless you don't care about your potential customers. http://www.analysisandsolutions.com/code/weberror.htm?j=y --Dan -- PHP classes that make web design easier SQL Solution | Layout Solution | Form Solution sqlsolution.info | layoutsolution.info | formsolution.info T H E A N A L Y S I S A N D S O L U T I O N S C O M P A N Y 4015 7 Av #4AJ, Brooklyn NY v: 718-854-0335 f: 718-854-0409 -- PHP General Mailing List (http://www.php.net/) To unsubscribe, visit: http://www.php.net/unsub.php
Re: [PHP] PHP and geographic maps
From: Analysis Solutions [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Fri, Jul 12, 2002 at 09:25:56AM -0400, Lowell Allen wrote: Are you using JavaScript to update the image without going back to the map server? Dude, Dynamic HTML / JavaScript are a poor idea... unless you don't care about your potential customers. http://www.analysisandsolutions.com/code/weberror.htm?j=y --Dan My apathy is another issue entirely. :=) I was asking about JavaScript in the context of determining how Martin's application worked. -- Lowell Allen -- PHP General Mailing List (http://www.php.net/) To unsubscribe, visit: http://www.php.net/unsub.php
RE: [PHP] PHP and geographic maps
Are you really working with actual map coordinates that include longitude and latitude? This seems to be a reverse approach to what I usually see. From what I've seen, you typically display a map of the united states. Click a state to zoom in. Have the state map divided into sections, click the section to zoom. And just continue having maps divided into sections that the user can click to zoom in closer and closer. Using coordinates to accomplish this seems possible, but overly complex. You'll literally be creating a 3D world and that means you'll end up having to create coordinate systems for every single object in the world. For example, say you give coordinates and then have a 5 mile by 5 mile map display centering on these coordinates. Then each house falling within that geographic boundry gets displayed on the map. Obviously, it sounds very cool... but incredibly complex. It's just as easy to use the method I described above to zero in on the geographic area and list houses within that zone rather than draw pin-points on a map to show where the houses reside geographically. Especially when that geographic representation includes things like other houses, streams, schools, etc. My $.10 -Original Message- From: Lowell Allen [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Thursday, July 11, 2002 1:42 PM To: PHP Subject: [PHP] PHP and geographic maps A client wants a database-driven site that records information about real estate properties and includes geographic maps of property locations (throughout the US). The client has seen a presentation of a JavaScript-powered, Windows-only product that doesn't seem to fit well with my preference for PHP/MySQL. I've been Google-searching info on GIS and GPS and GMT, but thought it might be worthwhile to ask this discussion list for input. Can anyone direct me to info on PHP presentation of geographic maps -- tied to a database with locating coordinates? Thanks. -- Lowell Allen -- PHP General Mailing List (http://www.php.net/) To unsubscribe, visit: http://www.php.net/unsub.php This message is intended for the sole use of the individual and entity to whom it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended addressee, nor authorized to receive for the intended addressee, you are hereby notified that you may not use, copy, disclose or distribute to anyone the message or any information contained in the message. If you have received this message in error, please immediately advise the sender by reply email and delete the message. Thank you very much. -- PHP General Mailing List (http://www.php.net/) To unsubscribe, visit: http://www.php.net/unsub.php
Re: [PHP] PHP and geographic maps
From: Lazor, Ed [EMAIL PROTECTED] Are you really working with actual map coordinates that include longitude and latitude? That's what the client *WANTS*, yes. Currently, local sales agents visit each property and take digital photos. They'd like to give them hand-held GPS units so they can also record the location of each property. The sales agents would then enter property information into an online database. This seems to be a reverse approach to what I usually see. From what I've seen, you typically display a map of the united states. Click a state to zoom in. Have the state map divided into sections, click the section to zoom. And just continue having maps divided into sections that the user can click to zoom in closer and closer. Using coordinates to accomplish this seems possible, but overly complex. You'll literally be creating a 3D world and that means you'll end up having to create coordinate systems for every single object in the world. For example, say you give coordinates and then have a 5 mile by 5 mile map display centering on these coordinates. Then each house falling within that geographic boundry gets displayed on the map. Obviously, it sounds very cool... but incredibly complex. It's just as easy to use the method I described above to zero in on the geographic area and list houses within that zone rather than draw pin-points on a map to show where the houses reside geographically. Especially when that geographic representation includes things like other houses, streams, schools, etc. I agree it seems very complex, but it would just require referencing to the 2D world of map coordinates, wouldn't it? If the corners of each rectangular map view were referenced, couldn't any point be placed in relation to 3 of the corners? My $.10 Thanks for the input. I certainly don't know if the client's desire is realistic, and I appreciate any guidance and suggestions. -Original Message- From: Lowell Allen [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Thursday, July 11, 2002 1:42 PM To: PHP Subject: [PHP] PHP and geographic maps A client wants a database-driven site that records information about real estate properties and includes geographic maps of property locations (throughout the US). The client has seen a presentation of a JavaScript-powered, Windows-only product that doesn't seem to fit well with my preference for PHP/MySQL. I've been Google-searching info on GIS and GPS and GMT, but thought it might be worthwhile to ask this discussion list for input. Can anyone direct me to info on PHP presentation of geographic maps -- tied to a database with locating coordinates? Thanks. -- Lowell Allen -- PHP General Mailing List (http://www.php.net/) To unsubscribe, visit: http://www.php.net/unsub.php This message is intended for the sole use of the individual and entity to whom it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended addressee, nor authorized to receive for the intended addressee, you are hereby notified that you may not use, copy, disclose or distribute to anyone the message or any information contained in the message. If you have received this message in error, please immediately advise the sender by reply email and delete the message. Thank you very much. -- PHP General Mailing List (http://www.php.net/) To unsubscribe, visit: http://www.php.net/unsub.php -- PHP General Mailing List (http://www.php.net/) To unsubscribe, visit: http://www.php.net/unsub.php
Re: [PHP] PHP and geographic maps
On 11 Jul 2002 at 16:42, Lowell Allen wrote: A client wants a database-driven site that records information about real estate properties and includes geographic maps of property locations (throughout the US). The client has seen a presentation of a JavaScript-powered, Windows-only product that doesn't seem to fit well with my preference for PHP/MySQL. I've been Google-searching info on GIS and GPS and GMT, but thought it might be worthwhile to ask this discussion list for input. Can anyone direct me to info on PHP presentation of geographic maps -- tied to a database with locating coordinates? Well heck, you've peaked my interest. I don't see how javascript makes any difference. The power of the app MUST be some server-side app otherwise it would work in any Browser (or please correct me in any way). I'd like to hear more details about this. What kind of maps do they produce? I once worked with on a map site called pixxures.com and they had MANY servers that were SPECFICALLY designed to process requests and return images (ran on linux and solaris and might have worked on windows as the app itself was in java I believe). We only had to provide coordinates from the web form to these apps and they'd return a slice of an image. Peter -- PHP General Mailing List (http://www.php.net/) To unsubscribe, visit: http://www.php.net/unsub.php
RE: [PHP] PHP and geographic maps
Good question. Isn't GPS 3D? I'm guessing you're correct, but now I'm curious. Assuming it's a 2D-based situation, it still seems easier to use the approach I described in the last e-mail and then somehow tie the GPS coordinates into that system rather than base everything on GPS. You'd end up with a translation of sorts. For example, X,Y coordinates translates to map T14. Display the map, assume the X,Y Coordinates are the boundries of the map, identify which properties are listed on that map and plot points for them... You can either attempt a complex search for properties in the geographic zone every time the zone is displayed, or you can look up the map when you enter the initial information and store the value as part of the data set. That means your only searching for properties in the T14 zone. This definitely seems possible from within PHP. It's just going to be A LOT of work. Pretty complicated too Sounds fun! hehe -Ed -Original Message- [It] would just require referencing to the 2D world of map coordinates, wouldn't it? This message is intended for the sole use of the individual and entity to whom it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended addressee, nor authorized to receive for the intended addressee, you are hereby notified that you may not use, copy, disclose or distribute to anyone the message or any information contained in the message. If you have received this message in error, please immediately advise the sender by reply email and delete the message. Thank you very much. -- PHP General Mailing List (http://www.php.net/) To unsubscribe, visit: http://www.php.net/unsub.php
Re: [PHP] PHP and geographic maps
Was written: Using coordinates to accomplish this seems possible, but overly complex. You'll literally be creating a 3D world and that means At pixxures.com the client just entered their ADDRESS. Then the backend (probably a bit too much for javascript) would return a sattelite view of that address. I believe they were using Russian data or something. But as I mentioned before, they had serverS that only took requests, cut out images, returned images. Oh heck, they are still in business, take a look: http://www.pixxures.com/ But I can't wait for them to serve up any images as they are dreadfully slow. Peter -- PHP General Mailing List (http://www.php.net/) To unsubscribe, visit: http://www.php.net/unsub.php
Re: [PHP] PHP and geographic maps
Hey Lowell: On Thu, Jul 11, 2002 at 04:42:04PM -0400, Lowell Allen wrote: A client wants a database-driven site that records information about real estate properties and includes geographic maps of property locations (throughout the US). [Also read your post saying they'll have GPS units] So, have the brokers put the house information, including the Lat/Long into the database. Now, find a map website that generates maps based on the lat/long (among other things) you type into the URI. For example, http://tiger.census.gov/cgi-bin/mapsurfer. Use the URI format as the basis for writing your PHP script's process that display's URI's. --Dan -- PHP classes that make web design easier SQL Solution | Layout Solution | Form Solution sqlsolution.info | layoutsolution.info | formsolution.info T H E A N A L Y S I S A N D S O L U T I O N S C O M P A N Y 4015 7 Av #4AJ, Brooklyn NY v: 718-854-0335 f: 718-854-0409 -- PHP General Mailing List (http://www.php.net/) To unsubscribe, visit: http://www.php.net/unsub.php
RE: [PHP] PHP and geographic maps
Wow. That's pretty cool =) Do they allow map over-lays? For example, if you want to display a map displaying points for each house within the vicinity of the coordinates? -Original Message- From: Analysis Solutions [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Thursday, July 11, 2002 3:58 PM To: PHP List Subject: Re: [PHP] PHP and geographic maps Hey Lowell: On Thu, Jul 11, 2002 at 04:42:04PM -0400, Lowell Allen wrote: A client wants a database-driven site that records information about real estate properties and includes geographic maps of property locations (throughout the US). [Also read your post saying they'll have GPS units] So, have the brokers put the house information, including the Lat/Long into the database. Now, find a map website that generates maps based on the lat/long (among other things) you type into the URI. For example, http://tiger.census.gov/cgi-bin/mapsurfer. Use the URI format as the basis for writing your PHP script's process that display's URI's. --Dan -- PHP classes that make web design easier SQL Solution | Layout Solution | Form Solution sqlsolution.info | layoutsolution.info | formsolution.info T H E A N A L Y S I S A N D S O L U T I O N S C O M P A N Y 4015 7 Av #4AJ, Brooklyn NY v: 718-854-0335 f: 718-854-0409 -- PHP General Mailing List (http://www.php.net/) To unsubscribe, visit: http://www.php.net/unsub.php This message is intended for the sole use of the individual and entity to whom it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended addressee, nor authorized to receive for the intended addressee, you are hereby notified that you may not use, copy, disclose or distribute to anyone the message or any information contained in the message. If you have received this message in error, please immediately advise the sender by reply email and delete the message. Thank you very much. -- PHP General Mailing List (http://www.php.net/) To unsubscribe, visit: http://www.php.net/unsub.php
Re: [PHP] PHP and geographic maps
On Thu, Jul 11, 2002 at 04:06:24PM -0700, Lazor, Ed wrote: Wow. That's pretty cool =) Do they allow map over-lays? For example, if you want to display a map displaying points for each house within the vicinity of the coordinates? I don't know. I have a feeling not, but hack away all you want and let us know. --Dan PS: Ed, you're a bright guy. Why not take the time to snip out the majority of my post that didn't directly have to do with your comment? As if top posting isn't bad enough. :) -- PHP classes that make web design easier SQL Solution | Layout Solution | Form Solution sqlsolution.info | layoutsolution.info | formsolution.info T H E A N A L Y S I S A N D S O L U T I O N S C O M P A N Y 4015 7 Av #4AJ, Brooklyn NY v: 718-854-0335 f: 718-854-0409 -- PHP General Mailing List (http://www.php.net/) To unsubscribe, visit: http://www.php.net/unsub.php
RE: [PHP] PHP and geographic maps
I was just checking it out. That map is awesome! What's funny is that it even has an option to display the picture of a house at the coordinates you specify. Thanks for the compliment *grin* I have no idea why I didn't. Probably just got lazy hehe My only excuse is that I think vacation mode has kicked in - even though it doesn't technically start until tomorrow evening. Oh yea geesh, those silly top posters ;) hehe -Original Message- I don't know. I have a feeling not, but hack away all you want and let us know. --Dan PS: Ed, you're a bright guy. Why not take the time to snip out the majority of my post that didn't directly have to do with your comment? As if top posting isn't bad enough. :) This message is intended for the sole use of the individual and entity to whom it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended addressee, nor authorized to receive for the intended addressee, you are hereby notified that you may not use, copy, disclose or distribute to anyone the message or any information contained in the message. If you have received this message in error, please immediately advise the sender by reply email and delete the message. Thank you very much. -- PHP General Mailing List (http://www.php.net/) To unsubscribe, visit: http://www.php.net/unsub.php
RE: [PHP] PHP and geographic maps
I'm currently working on a system that grabs an image from a map server and, using html layers, overlays where the products are. Basically, this is how it's set up. The map server is running on a WinNT system. In the html code, I put am image tag that accesses the web server, passing the x,y coords (formatted as x meters from some origin) and zoom level (plus some other details). I then get the web server to access the map server (this is to shield the map server from the outside world) and basically do a fpassthru() on the data. Meanwhile, the html doc has a layer placed over the map image. This layer contains another image with just the products on it. I get php to generate this second image on the fly by querying the database, filtering out all the products that lay outside the image's area, then I plot the points onto the image. Because there's a lot of other things that are happening on the page (due to the client's requirements), when the user wants to zoom or pan the map, I use js to update the images. Hope that helps anyone out there. Martin -Original Message- From: Lazor, Ed [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Friday, July 12, 2002 9:27 AM To: 'Analysis Solutions'; PHP List Subject: RE: [PHP] PHP and geographic maps I was just checking it out. That map is awesome! What's funny is that it even has an option to display the picture of a house at the coordinates you specify. Thanks for the compliment *grin* I have no idea why I didn't. Probably just got lazy hehe My only excuse is that I think vacation mode has kicked in - even though it doesn't technically start until tomorrow evening. Oh yea geesh, those silly top posters ;) hehe -Original Message- I don't know. I have a feeling not, but hack away all you want and let us know. --Dan PS: Ed, you're a bright guy. Why not take the time to snip out the majority of my post that didn't directly have to do with your comment? As if top posting isn't bad enough. :) This message is intended for the sole use of the individual and entity to whom it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended addressee, nor authorized to receive for the intended addressee, you are hereby notified that you may not use, copy, disclose or distribute to anyone the message or any information contained in the message. If you have received this message in error, please immediately advise the sender by reply email and delete the message. Thank you very much. -- PHP General Mailing List (http://www.php.net/) To unsubscribe, visit: http://www.php.net/unsub.php -- PHP General Mailing List (http://www.php.net/) To unsubscribe, visit: http://www.php.net/unsub.php
