Do you love Google Maps integration across the web but wish for a little more visual variety? Have you ever felt that the stock standard Maps look and feel just broke the visual appeal of an app or website? If yes, then Google has a gift for you, assuming you’re the developer. Google has now given developers the option to customise the look and feel of their apps and sites with an enhanced API – new APIs how exciting!
Google Maps is one of the few things that truly bridges the digital and physical divide, it is one of the most truly transformative and useful pieces of technology we have next to, and inside, our smartphone. However, the interface is getting a little monotonous, even with Google’s recent face lift, it’s just the same everywhere. Thanks to the new styling wizard developers will be able to customise the maps colour pallet, hide labels, vary road appearance and toggle POIs within the map.
This will allow developers to customise the map completely for the purpose and theming of their app or site. The new API will also ensure these design changes are responsive across form factors, allowing developers to implement a consistent visual pallet across their mobile, tablet and web properties.
Whilst Google Maps is excellent and one of my favourite part of the internet it has begun to get a little same same, it will be great to see developers begin to implement a varied style across the web.
Duncan, while I appreciate your timely and interesting news/reviews here on Ausdroid, you really need someone to proof-read and spell-check your posts.
I blame the editors, I can’t be held accountable for my actions :). Seriously we do try and yes I’m the worst offender, I’ll strive to do better.
I love Google Maps, too. Great for people like me with no sense of direction!
Nice, reminds me of the Live Cases that google produces where you can colourise the map image.
Very cool!