Make your own map
Directory & Google Maps
Web directories are everywhere to be found. They contain data on specific areas of interest. The main reason we started experimenting with Google Maps and web directories was for this reason. The databases of these web directories are always so full, and the search facilities on most directories leave a lot to be desired.
What if we could build a web directory, and as a front page allow for a map that will list the details in the database? Surely this would give an overall better user experience.
WordPress Power
To add to the requirements we wanted to use an open source script, allowing us to share our experience and the process so that other people can use this ability for themselves.
This sub section of our website is thus dedicated to Google Maps, and creating your own API v3 interactive maps for your wordpress websites. We have different ideas, and will create a variety of different functioning interactive maps. We will share these here and hope you find it useful and the explanations simple enough for you to integrate these into your own websites.
DirectoryPress Google Maps
Using a premium theme called DirectoryPress we have ”created” a web directory for a niche market. The homepage(GP Directory) displays the map, with the functionality we have set out in our first tutorial. If you have anything to add to the code and process we have provided, please feel free to comment. 
IFrame Map
The first map we have explianed the process for is for GP Surgery Directory. We have combined and automated the process of adding a pin to a map, correlating with the data in the databse and displaying the details on an interactive map. This first map is displayed using an iframe. This website also offers two additional maps.
Streetview PHP
Same concept as the above map. Rather than an iframe we have used PHP to display the pin location in streetview.
As the location is not always what you expect it to be, we have also created a map function to correct the pins locations.
Draggable Market PHP
The process here is simple. Drag the marker. Switch between street view and map view. Place the pin exactly at the right location. Complete the form.
The corresponding PHP will execute what function we require. Initially we have only set this as an email notification, but we can get this to update the database automatically.
