Custom Google Map tilesets
Ever since the introduction of the Google Maps API there has been the option of loading your own map or imagery and displaying it as a custom tileset. Red Geographics can assist you in preparing your maps or imagery, tiling and delivering the data.
There are a few factors that you need to take in account in order to get the best looking result:
- Resolution - Your map is either in a raster format, or a vector format that needs to be rasterised. In both cases it's highly recommended to keep that resolution at the Google zoom level resolutions. If you are designing a map from scratch, this is something you can use in your design. This means, in most cases, that you need to design and produce a new file for every zoom level. For aerial photos or satellite imagery this is less of an issue, but still it is recommended not to move too far away from the native resolution.
- Projection - Google uses a Mercator projection for its Google Maps. An existing map that is not designed at this projection will have to be reprojected, which may affect text labels and point symbols in an unacceptable manner. If possible, redoing the labels and symbols after reprojection would increase the quality.
- Screen vs Print - As good as they are, computer screens can still not match the fine detail that can be achieved in print. So if you want to use a map designed for print as a Google tileset, you may lose detail, especially in thin lines or small text labels. As with the projection, a partial redesign would be necessary to counter this.
Another important aspect, in addition to these visual aspects, is image optimization. Red Geographics is partnering with GraphicsOptimization to reduce the filesizes of the individual map tiles. Since Google Maps tilesets can become very big if you want to display a large area at high detail, a few % of file size reduction can make a lot of difference. Optimized tiles load faster, take up less space and bandwidth, thereby saving time, energy and money.
Samples
Klundert City Map
Historic aerial photos of Apeldoorn
If you are interested in having one of your own maps turned into a Google Maps tileset, please contact Red Geographics for more information and a price quote.
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Consultancy : Custom Google Map tilesets
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