How to handle large amound of Markers in Google API

Read this blog today, this is a very good article to talk about how to handle large amounts of markers in your Google Maps Application.

One method is called MarkerClusterer. It is a simple and effective solution for displaying many Markers on the map.

More detailed can be found Xiaoxi Wu's blog. http://googlegeodevelopers.blogspot.com/2009/04/markerclusterer-solution-to-too-many.html

Interactive Demographic Maps from NY Times

Mapping America: Every City, Every Block

This is a very useful map application. users can browse local data from the Census Bureau's American Community Survey, based on samples from 2005 to 2009. User can choose from population, income, family and education category to visually check the spatial pattern of each variable and may help them better understand the demographic distribution in the area they are interested.

Batch Geocoding

If you have many addresses and would like to geocode them, the following website provide free geocoding service. It works very well.

http://www.batchgeocode.com/

Geocoding, find the x,y coordinates and locate your address on a map. The site will add latitude/longitude to your address data. It can also display your addresses on Google map.

Real time bus informaiton

Have you took public bus before? I like taking bus when possible. I used to ride Triangle Transit Agency buses before. One thing I do not like is to wait in the bus stop and have no idea when the next bus is coming. Sometime you wait 5 minuets, sometime you wait 10 minutes. It is not fun for waiting the bus.

Fortunately, new technology (GPS) allows real-time tracking where the bus are and home long the bus will come to your stop. Some public transportation service providers already provide this kind of service. You can get the real-time information by web, or text messages or digital signs at some stops. Then you can easily schedule your time more wisely when riding a bus.

To view some example, please visit the following site.

• View real-time bus locations and arrival predictions for Chapel Hill Transit (CHT) routes in North Carolina
  
• View real-time bus locations for NCSU Wolfline routes in Raleigh, NC

Very good services.

GoTriangle provides trip planner service. it is also a great service for bus riders. You just type your start location and your destination, then it will provide you a list of route options for you to choose. It is very useful when you need to take bus but are not very familiar with bus schedule.

Hopefully, more and more people would take public transportation to help our environment.

Zillow.com

Are you going to buy a new home, or sell your home, one website you should go to check is Zillow.com. You will surprised at how much information you will get from Zillow.com.

If you are a buyer, search home for sale, ff you are a seller, put the right price for your house. It works both for buyers and sellers. Especially for a buyer, it can save you a lot of time for doing research to find right home for you.

One of the good features is that it list houses on the map, you know the surrounding environment immediately by viewing the air photo image.

Policy Map

Most people are familiar with the map to show roads, schools, parks. This website display maps to show demographics and policies. It is called The Policy Map.

From the website, it says:

PolicyMap is a revolutionary, easy, new way to explore geographic data through maps, tables and reports.

No matter you are doing your business, or you are just interested in the spatial distribution of policy changes and demography, this site is for you. You will be surprised at how much more information and knowledge you can get from this site. And that will help you make smart decision.