Google added recently the GMarkerManager class to the Google Maps API. This class is used to manage visibility of hundreds of markers on a map, based on the map’s current viewport and zoom level.

We are actually working on a new version of the Map search for ByTheOwner and I was very optimistic about this new api class. It is very cool and easy to use, but I unfortunately reached it’s limits pretty fast. I was able to display my provinces and regions markers “A1″. The cities then came up with a little more difficulty. But the 4000 homes for sale markers were too much. Under Mozilla Firefox it wasn’t that bad but IE really didn’t like it.

At this point, I am using the MarkerManager class combined with a php clustering. Once you zoom enough to be in the properties or cities level, I add markers only with coordinates around the viewport. An ajax call reloads the markers when the user pans or zooms enough.

Google Maps API documentation for GMarkerManager »

What’s the difference between GMarkerManager and MarkerManager ?

GMarkerManager is native in the Google Maps API. MarkerManager, on the other hand, needs a javascript inclusion.

Google opened up the GMarkerManager code for external developpers to implement new function in the maps api. New functions like clearAllMarkers are available in the open source version.
http://googlemapsapi.blogspot.com/2007/03/new-open-source-utility-library-for.html

Frédérick Dubois, ByTheOwner.com
Web development and programming

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 3rd, 2007 at 12:21 pm and is filed under Google, Google Maps, Web & Technology, Work in progress. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.