Today I received an invitation to take part in a project to document the sightings of Swallowtail moth (a species of moth) in Singapore. Click HERE to view the project. It is using the google maps engine.
I clicked the link and it brought me on my browser to a google map with many markers placed on it.
The concept is very similar to my own project, fruit tree mapping project.
I instantly created my own map and started exploring. So how does this google maps engine match up with the app I intent to create? Can I simply use this maps engine instead of building my app?
How would users generate the location of the sighting?
Unfortunately users would not be able to use their phone's GPS to pin down their location. However a search bar is available for users to search for their locations.
Can we differentiate between trees using the different icons?
While there are more than 100 icons to choose from, they would not be able to represent fruits very well. Custom icons can be used too but only if we subscribe to the service at USD5/month.
Can we attach photos of the tress to the markers?
Yes this feature is available. However you can only add photos using url or google search images. That would put off users from adding images.
Would users be able to search for and display only a specific type of tree (filter effect)?
Could not find a feature for filtering.
Can I view this from an app?
Yes I can easily create an app to open this map. An app would be beneficial as after installation users can launch the map easily instead of typing in the url into their browser.
Pros&Cons (Other than those already mentioned)
Pros: Data can be imported and exported using data sheet format.
Cons: Any user can delete/edit inputs of other. (This can be a pro too. It would be like the early days of wikipedia.)
Do check out geotagging and geocaching which have been around for many years. There could be things you could use.
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