Earlier this week Google released Google Maps API, a tool that lets developers embed Google Maps in their own web pages with JavaScript, adding extra features and functionality.
casualty-maps.com is one of the first sites I’ve seen to take advantage of these tools. Their map shows the progression of US military casualties from the Iraq war. Click on a casualty icon, and you’ll get the name, rank, and date of death. And you still maintain all of the Google Maps functionality; zoom, drag, satellite.
This is the type of functionality I hope to offer members of Lambda Chi Alpha on our site. Guys should be able to easily see which chapters are open or closed, where there closest friends reside, or where our traveling staff are currently visiting.
I have a lot to accomplish between now and then, but Google Maps API will make the job much easier when the time comes.