Ozchi 24 Hour Student Design Challenge
usTiime by Lagom from Karey Helms on Vimeo.
This past weekend I did the Ozchi 24 hour student design challenge competition. Above is our submission. Information regarding our process and final solution available on our team blog.
Media surfaces: Incidental Media by Dentsu London
Media surfaces: Incidental Media from Dentsu London on Vimeo.
Found the video while reading about The UI Geniuses At Berg Rethink The Common Receipt.
Google Maps API for 2 Domains (in Flash, AS3)
Google Maps can be easily integrated into Flash with an API key for the application’s domain. Though, since each Google Maps API key can only be assigned to one domain, if your website contains two domains reading the same server (example: www.mysite.com and www.mysite.org), you will need two separate API keys for each domain. While ideally I’d prefer to redirect one domain to the other, this isn’t always the case for how a client wants their site to read. In order for the SWF file containing Google Maps to load successfully in multiple domains, the ActionScript file needs to be edited accordingly. Though the final result can also be achieved using a combination of JavaScript and ExternalInterface in Flash, I found it easiest to use AS3′s LocalConnection to convert the SWF’s domain into a String and then indexed with an if/else statement to decide with API key ActionScript should use:
import flash.net.LocalConnection;
var lc:LocalConnection = new LocalConnection();
var domain:String = lc.domain;
if (domain.indexOf("com") != -1) {
map.key = "key-A";
} else {
map.key = "key-B";
}
map.setSize(new Point(P1, P2));
map.addEventListener(MapEvent.MAP_READY, onMapReady);
swfMovieClip.addChild(map);
More information on Google Maps API.
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
Apdev ActionScript 3.0 Video Player
Apdev recently released a new version of their AS3 open source Video Player. It features simple playlist support, loop function, full-browser, and dynamic resizing. Screen shot below:
If you have a strong stomach and are interested in viewing it live in a recent project of mine for a podiatrist, head on over to: www.4finefeet.com/surgical-videos.html
Pick up the source code below:
http://code.google.com/p/apdev-videoplayer/
On a related note check out an open source mp3 Flash Player mentioned in a previous post.