What's new for GoogleMaps v2

Some people might want to hear about this.

Lately I've been working on the new version of the Google Maps plugin, there are several parts that I've wanted to improve for a long time, and finally I've decided that it's the time to start coding it.

New loading system.

The maps won't stop the rest of the page, the google js files are loaded only after the rest of the page has been loaded or it can be delayed until the user really wants to use the map.

Static preview

While the full map isn't ready a static preview will be shown. This means also that the map will be visible for thos with javascript disabled.

Colors.

Yes, different markers should have different colors. Ditto for the lines or areas. Also width, opacity...

Areas

Ups, did I said that?, yes, multiple lines and multiple areas. Note: the static preview doesn't show the areas, it's a limitation of the static API.

Html comments

Embedding an instance of FCKeditor in a dialog used inside FCKeditor? are you crazy? maybe, but it works.

Selection of features.

Select the controls that you want to show: zoom standard/small, area overview, scrolling...

Loading KML files

That way you can import external data or create a complex map in Google Earth and display it online.

 

Over 60% of that is already coded, at least the most complex features, so I am optimistic that it will be ready "soon", but testing and then writing the new documentation might be a stop point, it's boring and sucks, mostly because the people doesn't read it and ask basic questions over and over again.

I guess that it sound very good, maybe too good to be true, but there is one caveat: Surely it won't be free. It will be cheap, but it will require buying a license as coding all of that means a lot of work, and you might have heard that there is some economic crisis around there. The current version will be available for free and you can use it, but if you want the advanced features you'll need to spend a little money on it.