Map Magnifier
A tool to accompany maps.google.com which
shows a close-up view of part of the main map. The magnifier can be used in the
sidebar or as a map overlay, with three magnification levels to choose from.
Think of it as the opposite of Google's own overview map (the one in the lower-right of most Google Maps).
Want your own? Add it to Google's My Maps.
Technical Notes
GMaps API programmers will notice that this mapplet, like The Other
Side of the World, includes a separate map
embedded in the sidebar of maps.google.com. However, this mapplet
pushes the technique further, and shows its limitations: collisions between the
Mapplets API and the sidebar map (using the google.maps.* namespace)
do cause some... issues. YMMV.
In contrast, the overlay option uses the Static Maps API. Interested developers should consider this alternative if they want a second map in a mapplet, as it doesn't cause the same problems. A static map does have drawbacks of its own, however:
- It can't smoothly pan short distances.
- The user might run into the Static Maps usage limit.
- Usage would be increased further by the near-real-time refreshing that the current sidebar map does while the main map is being dragged.
* Mac OS X 10.4.3 Tiger (or higher) is required. If you're using Safari, click the download link above. When the widget download is complete, Show Dashboard, click the Plus sign to display the Widget Bar and click the widget's icon in the Widget Bar to open it. If you're using a browser other than Safari, click the download link. When the widget download is complete, unarchive it and place it in /Library/Widgets/ in your home folder. Show Dashboard, click the Plus sign to display the Widget Bar and click the widget's icon in the Widget Bar to open it.