Google API In REW Blog

[Ryan Ward]

I was just checking the SEO settings for the blogs. What can I do with the Google API Map key?

[ritataylor]

You mean the webmaster here has published the google map key?

You can do some neat things with google API maps - I have a bunch of them on my website that relate to neighborhoods in my area. It basically allows you to make custom maps and put them on your website.

[Morristown]

How is that different then the maps you and I have been using Ryan?

[ritataylor]

I hope you don't mind a link to my neighborhoods page - it may help you get an idea of what Google API maps can be used for.

Sanford NC Neighborhoods

You can make interactive maps. This map is of all neighborhoods in my market area. It links further to individual neighborhood pages and maps. These rank really well for individual neighborhood searches for my area. I need to add some more content to the individual pages but they are a start.
I also have maps of golf communities and gated communities. You have to use Javascript but the maps are pretty neat.

[Ryan Ward]

Thanks for the look at your site Rita and don't sweat the getting banned thing...Post relevant content and don't spam links and you shuould be fine.

What I am talking about is under our own individual blog settings and then in SEO settings there is a field to enter a Google Map API key. I was hoping to get a clear understanding of how I can use this before I go fooling around with it.

Jim,

It would be different in that the gmap maps have links back to the gmap website, which is ok because of the service they give you, but, if I could avoid it I would like to.

[Smuck]

I like Ryan's (it's Ryan's now!) gmap, however, I would like to implement Google maps like ritataylor has done. Anyone have a resource for a tutorial on this?

[ritataylor]

My husband does my website - he recommends two tutorials for Google Maps.

1) the official Google forum and tutorials: http://www.google.com/apis/maps/

2) Mike Williams' tutorial: http://www.econym.demon.co.uk/googlemaps/

Hope that helps you with the maps.

[webmaster]

This question was very specific to REW Blogs - so I guess I have to let the cat out of the bag.

I am building you a bunch of cool tools Ryan, that is why it is there - specifically around being able to create custom Google maps for your site (More advanced form of mygmaps) - The reason you need your own key is so any applications we develop that will output code to place on "your" site will require the key registered for "your" site at Google.

There will also be tools specifically for REW blogs, which you will not need a key for as they will use the REW Google Enterprise Key

[Ryan Ward]

Ha! I have my key and will be ready

[ritataylor]

I was wondering how I was going to use my API key on your website. This sounds interesting. I will be sure to keep up with this post.