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Getting Started

I.- Overview

Our Map Mashup component is designed to make the integration of your application data as seamless as possible into elaborate geographical maps. Designed on top of the GoogleTM, YahooTM and MSNTM Virtual Earth mapping API's, the Mashup component is catered to the needs of people who require a straightforward and simple approach for incorporating mapping data onto applications, without the need to delve into the finer details of programming service APIs.

II.- What do you need ?

If you want to host your own Mashup application:

  • Go to our download page and click on the 'Free Evaluation License' icon.More Details Blue arrow
  • Signup for a Google TM, Yahoo TM or MSNTM Virtual Earth maps API key. More Details Blue arrow
  • Deploy the Map component and customize its parameters to your preferences. More Details Blue arrow
  • Your done!*
  • * Additionally, once you get up and running you may need to upgrade to an individual component license to better suit your needs.More on Licensing Blue arrow

If you want us to take care of the details:

  • Create a Mashup on our download page and get a free link or embed code for your site.
  • Contact us sales[at]mashupsoft.com and get a free and detailed quote on getting your own Map Mashup site, starting from $3,500 Dlls (U.S)

III.- The Details

Get the Map component from our download section.

Its as simple as that, to the left you will see a live demo of the map component. On the right hand side, click on the 'Free Evaluation License' icon and extract the zip file to your web-site.BackBlue arrow

Sign up for a GoogleTM, Yahoo TM or MSNTM Virtual Earth maps API key.

We provide you with the component, but the underlying mapping service is still administered by GoogleTM Maps, YahooTM or MSNTM Virtual Earth Maps, so you need to sign up for an access key with each provider.

If you prefer Google, visit http://www.google.com/apis/maps/signup.html and introduce the web directory (URL) on which the Map component will be deployed, at which time the system will provide you with an access key. If you prefer Yahoo, visit http://api.search.yahoo.com/webservices/register_application to sign up for a Yahoo TM maps API key. If its MSN Virtual Earth you prefer, you currently don't require to sign up for an access key.

Take note of each access key, as you will need each one in the final deployment phase of the component.BackBlue arrow

Deploy and customize your component.

The Map component is modular in nature and loads its data from a separate XML file associated with each web page on which you want to display a map. This allows you to have dozens or hundreds of different map views -- addresses, icons, text, controls, providers -- that can either be placed in static XML files on your site or created dynamically by any server-side application that interacts with a data source of your choice.

The only other thing you will need to deal with is simple HTML markup to create the final layout accompanying your Map Mashup, the download contains numerous examples on such possible layouts.BackBlue arrow

IV.- Licensing

If you are getting started you really don't need to worry much about licensing, we offer a 30-day evaluation license on our Map Mashup component, but once you get up and running, your needs may bring you to change this licensing scheme.

Evaluation-Branded 30-day licensing

Our evaluation license has the following characteristics :

  • 30-day working license.
  • Fully featured, no limits or restrictive options on component.
  • No questions asked download, no need to provide email, name or other information to gain access.
  • Delayed/Branded loading of data.
Individual Component Licensing

While our branded licensing is fully functional and is ideal for those wanting to get started with Mashups, there is a 30-day expiration on the life of a component and a slight delay between the time a component's data is loaded and the time its displayed.

Our individual component license has the following characteristics :

  • Perpetual (No expiration).
  • Immediate loading of data.
  • Simple upgrade from evaluation licensed component, no need to modify existing parameters or functions, just replace one simple file.
  • Allows deployment of component on any directory domain or its corresponding sub-domains.