GMap.NET - Great Maps for Windows Forms & Presentation

• Download demo - 73.57 KB
• SVN URL: https://gmap4dotnet.svn.codeplex.com/svn
• CodePlex: GMap.NET - Great Maps for Windows Forms & Presentation 

Introduction

Google maps are cool, yeah? But it's useful only in browser and is insufficient for real time tracking. It also does not have cache so Google servers are overloaded. This control removes all these deficiencies! It also gives the .NET developer unlimited ability to extend it!

Background

The basic idea is simple: get the required data from Google, cache it, and use it. Fast, simple and practical.

Using the Code

It's more than easy. GMap.NET.dll contains the user control. Add it to your project and simply use it.

Basic control initial options:

// render mode, can be GDI/GDI+
MainMap.RenderMode = GMapRenderMode.GDI;

// cache usage
MainMap.UseTileCache = true;
MainMap.UseRouteCache = true;
MainMap.UseGeocoderCache = true;

// map type, map/satellite/terrain
MainMap.MapType = GMapType.Map;
MainMap.Zoom = 13;
MainMap.Language = "lt";

// set initial map coordinates in Latitude,Langtitude
MainMap.CurrentPosition = new PointLatLng(54.6961334816182, 25.2985095977783);

// for advanced, we can set events
MainMap.OnCurrentPositionChanged += 
	new GMapControl.CurrentPositionChanged(MainMap_OnCurrentPositionChanged);
MainMap.OnTileLoadStart += new GMapControl.TileLoadStart(MainMap_OnTileLoadStart);
MainMap.OnTileLoadComplete += 
	new GMapControl.TileLoadComplete(MainMap_OnTileLoadComplete);

// load map on main form shown
private void MainForm_Shown(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
   MainMap.ReloadMap();
}

As you can see, control options are quite simple. And there is nothing more to add.

Points of Interest

Well, it was quite cryptic to figure out how Google manages tiles, what coordinate system it uses, JSON decryption, etc.

History

Go to the project's CodePlex site to get a running update of any changes or improvements I've made.