Google Maps Available on Desktop

[Edified]

Can I use Google Maps in my non-Web application?
Yes, the Google Maps APIs can now be used in Desktop applications, provided that they adhere to the other restrictions of the Terms of Service. Note that in order for a desktop application to be deemed "publicly accessible", there must be a publicly accessible webpage from which it can be downloaded. See Section 7.1c of the Terms of Service for more information.

http://code.google.com/apis/maps/faq.html#tos_nonweb

[Jeffrey_Early]

Yeah, that was one stumbling block that has now been fixed, but they still have issue with the "commercial application" part. I asked a Google representative if PhotoLinker would be alright without an enterprise license and was explicitly told 'no'. However, it has become pretty clear to me now that even within Google they're inconsistent on the reading of their own terms of service.

However, this won't be problem. Microsoft has changed their terms of service for Bing maps which unambiguously let PhotoLinker use their maps. Look for this in the next version due before the year's end. This will finally bring high quality maps to PhotoLinker!

[markoff69]

Hello!

Your program one of the best programs for geotagging and EXIF editing from several seen by me.

However other quite commercial programs (with the comparable price) perfectly use Google maps as online downloadable.

Highlighted examples:

Maperture Pro (plugin for Aperture by Ubermind) (http://www.ubermind.com/)

Gisteq PhotoTrackr (JetPhoto) (SW for Gisteq GPS-loggers) (http://www.gisteq.com/Mac)
(http://www.jetphotosoft.com/web/index.php? s=feature_gps)

Wished to learn, whether there is a hope in the near future to have an opportunity uses of cards Google in your program? Also can be tools for integration in GoogleMaps/GoogleEarth/Panoramio

Best reagrds, Vladimir

P.S.
For the same reason the function of reverse geocoding does not work correctly. For example for coding of the photos made in territory of Russia (where I live).
The reverse geocoding executed for example in Maperture Pro (which in full uses Google), yields essentially more correct results

[Jeffrey_Early]

Vladimir,

Have you tried PhotoLinker version 2.1 with Bing Maps? Bing Maps should be comparable to Google maps in most places in the world. Is it not very good for the region in Russia that you're interested in?

You can change the reverse geocoder in PhotoLinker > Preference > Photos. There are three different choices of reverse geocoders, including Google. I'm surprised that Maperture should be getting different results from Google than we are -- but it is certainly possible because Google actually returns multiple answers to the same query. We'll check that out.

Jeffrey

[markoff69]

Jeffrey,

Once again I focus your attention that my questions and opinions are not the claim. They are directed only on possible improvement of your product regarding functionality and convenience to local users (in particular for Russian-speaking users).
I very much like your product. I intend to get the full license. And I will recommend it to my friends.


Now as a matter of fact questions and problems...

1. About maps
Certainly I try version 2.1.
It agree that Bing maps are comparable to Google maps in the majority of places of the world.
Except Russia (and other close countries, as Belarus, Ukraine etc.) and for the user from Russia, i.e. speaking, writing and reading in Russian.
Why?
Because in Google_maps-based products i (=user) have possibility to use a hybrid maps with Names of cities, streets, POI in Russian language. It is possible if language and local settings on my MAC is Russian and if i choose a ru-part of maps location (maps.google.ru).
With Bing maps used in PhotoLinker as basic mapset it is impossible.
For the most of usual users it will be a problem. It is not a problem for me at Preparation process because i powered user with normal english. But it is a problem for me (=user) at publishing in runet.

2. About reverse geocoding
Below i present a 3 results of coding a Russia-placed point with 3 different preferences.

2.1. Reverse geocoding source is Google.
Result is zero, empty...

Photolinker reverse geocoding with Google

pl_rg_google.png (13.61 KiB) Viewed 742 times

2.2. Reverse geocoding source is Microsoft Terraserver.
Result is present but partially correct:
City name in translit
Sublocation is empty

Photolinker reverse geocoding with Microsoft Terraserver

pl_rg_microsoft_terraserver.png (15.44 KiB) Viewed 740 times

2.3. Reverse geocoding source is Geonames.org.
Result is present but partially correct:
City name in incorrect
Sublocation is empty

Photolinker reverse geocoding with Geonames.org

pl_rg_geonames_org.png (15.7 KiB) Viewed 740 times

2.4. And last result is Maperture Pro - in the next post

Vladimir

[markoff69]

Reverse geocoding result from Maperture Pro

maperture_rg.png (17.46 KiB) Viewed 734 times

Absolutely hit.
It is natural that the same geographical co-ordinates (I ask to believe )

This result takes with English language and local settings on my MAC
If I establish Russian settings that I will receive completely Russian IPTC

Vladimir

[markoff69]

Hello!
One more new remark.
Bing maps are not actual not only for Russia, but also for some other regions.
Recently I have returned from Bahrain. Also has found out that the Bahrain International Circuit on Bing maps is absent . Though this object exists since 2004.