Used alone, Google’s API is utilized entirely by JavaScript, which, in my opinion, can be difficult to manage, and can quickly clutter up your code. Therefore, I searched for an alternative solution using ASP .NET. The solution I found is a Google Maps ASP .NET user control developed and maintained by http://en.googlemaps.subgurim.net. This user control acts as a wrapper around the Google Maps API, providing easy access to many of the features in the Google Maps API, as well as some additional features that take advantage of the ASP .NET data source objects. All of this is contained in one user control, and best of all, not a single line of JavaScript is needed!
To get started using the Google Maps API along with the GoogleMaps.Subgurim.NET user control, you first have to visit the Google Maps API site at http://code.google.com/apis/maps, and sign up to receive a Google Maps API key. When signing up, keep the following in mind:
- You must have a Google Account to get a Maps API key, and your API key will be connected to your Google Account. If you don’t have one, create one here: https://www.google.com/accounts/NewAccount.
- The key is only valid for the web address you specify, and you must abide by Google’s terms and conditions.
Once you have obtained your key, visit the home of the GoogleMaps.Subgurim.NET user control at http://en.googlemaps.subgurim.net. Downloading the control is free and no registration is necessary. The best thing about this control is the supporting documentation and forums available to assist developers of all experience levels. Once you download the .zip file, do the following:
- Copy the GMaps.dll file into your application’s “bin” directory.
- Add the control to the toolbox by right-clicking the toolbox; Choose Items; .NET Framework Components; Browse. Locate the GMaps.dll and select it. Click OK.
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