Google Mashups and Flash (AS3)

I recently learned about Google Mashups from my boyfriend who relayed class material from his MS in Management of IT program, and luckily with perfect timing in relation to current projects. Essentially, Google Mashups can be defined as a web page or application that combines data or functionality from two or more external sources, resulting in a new service. For example, a Mashup can be created by integrating Google Maps into a personal web page, combining web page information with map data.

Two weeks ago I launched the website for Monticello Wine Trail, in which I utilized Google Mashups. One of the most important aspects of the MWT website is the ability for visitors to view and learn about the smaller trail clusters of wineries, grouped by their proximity to one another. In the previous website, the trail information was provided on a static JPG image. By integrating Google Maps into the Flash site, website visitors are able to interact (zoom and pan) with the maps, providing an overall more interactive user experience and more detailed map information.

Integrating Google Maps into Flash (via ActionScript 3.0) is quite easy and only requires the use of Google Maps API (which allows embedding of a Google Map into one’s web page using JavaScript). The following link walks through the steps for embedding Google Maps in Flash applications. Google also provides tutorials and a great selection of Flash and Flex demos from which to pull code.

Below are some links to additional resources:
Sign Up for the Google Maps API
Displaying Google Maps in Flash by Kirupa
Implement a Map Using the Google Map API for Flash by Activetuts+
Google Maps: 100+ Best Tools and Mashups by Mashable