Extension talk:Semantic Google Maps

Hi Robert, i talked with a some time ago about mediawiki and maps, good to know you migrated to Mediawiki. This extension it's the same i requested to Yaron from Semantic forms. It's really very interesting. As can see in these days, another extension with same propose was released too: http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:Semantic_Layers I really would like to chat with you by IM, but for a long time i don't see you online on gtalk. For next i'll give some suggestion, thanks. Lleoliveirabr 16:45, 2 September 2007 (UTC) Lleoliveirabr 17:23, 2 September 2007 (UTC)
 * Hi Robert, i saw on your web page on Semantic forms that if you want to move the placemark, is necessary to click on any place on map. Another thing: there's no option to use a search to go to a city for example. On this example you can see how i would like to see. It's possible to move the placemark and option to move the map by typing a city... http://perso.orange.fr/universimmedia/geo/loc.htm What do you think?
 * Robert, some months ago i posted on Semantic forms google groups about this idea. Look the message:http://groups.google.com/group/semantic-forms/browse_thread/thread/e60db1b0bf11d692
 * I think Yaron could integrate your extension in Semantic forms. Lleoliveirabr 18:19, 2 September 2007 (UTC)
 * Eventually, yes. First the problem of the degree-symbol showing up as a question mark or html-character code in stead of a degree symbol should be solved.--Robert Buzink 22:17, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

Geocoder
I added a geocoder to the coordinatesmap input-type --Robert Buzink 22:12, 2 September 2007 (UTC)
 * Great.

Custom icons
I would like to know if is possible to add custom icons to forms that have coordinate map. So in the future when we have a way to search semantic data in the map, we could see the custom icons.
 * I don't know if this could be by uploading an icon and make a field in forms to specify this icon directory. What do you think Robert? Any idea? Lleoliveirabr 00:21, 3 September 2007 (UTC)
 * Would be no problem. just make extra field in the form called icon and specify url to icon file there. The overview-map (that doesnt exist yet at present! currently there are only maps within articles for one location) uses the coordinates-variable anyways, could just as easily use icon-variable.--Robert Buzink 13:08, 3 September 2007 (UTC)

Technical Difficulties with Parser functions or is this a gottcha with my IIS server once again
Love the extension and if I get it working I will be using it to death on my site.

I have working to the point were it appears in the form with a map and "Lookup coordinates" field which works wonderfully. However when I save it dones not add the coordinates. Nor does it appear to be parsing. I get the following text on the page instead of a map:

I am not expert Mediawiki developer, more of a wikivoyeur... so I am at a lost as to why it is not working. I do have the required dependency Parser functions. Am I missing something else? I run the site on an IIS server which bites me in the ass from time to time with MediaWiki. Currently I have Semantic Google Maps installed on our out of site development server but the live server has most of the goodies with the exception of Semantic Google Maps.

http://www.placeography.org/index.php?title=Main_Page Any ideas? Thanks. --Myotus 17:16, 5 September 2007 (UTC)

I have moved the Semantic Google Maps extension to my live server since it appears to do no harm other than it not functioning correctly for me. If anyone has any ideas on why it is not functioning correctly I would love to know! Thanks! Location Template Form with Semantic Google Maps Extension Example of Form with Data --Myotus 14:53, 6 September 2007 (UTC) Sergey gave me the solution (no, it is not the IIS server) so I figure I would put it here for anyone with similar issues... Works like a charm... --Myotus 13:53, 15 October 2007 (UTC) Solution:

"Stationstraat 3 Maastricht Netherlands" Default is confusing
Using the address "Stationstraat 3 Maastricht Netherlands" is very confusing for users. Especially if the coordinates have already been created and the user is editing not creating the page. Instead of an example, wouldn't it be better to have some text saying something like "Add address here"

Also, is it possible for that field to keep the value once it has been entered so the next person editing will know what the coordinates are for? see example of one of my pages using it to see what I mean --Myotus 05:11, 5 October 2007 (UTC)

No default size
One of the problem I faced is that there is no default size for the map so #insert_map parser function doesn't show the map with just coordinates specified.

P.S. it might be a good idea to set up a a discussion group (on Google groups for example) or mailing list and have a place to accept bugs like Mediazilla.