Re: Map of Postgresql Users (OT) - Mailing list pgsql-general

FYI, here is a map of my PostgreSQL trips, using Google:

    http://candle.pha.pa.us/main/writings/map.html

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Claire McLister wrote:
> I took a look at your map, this is great wonderful that you were
> already thinking along these lines.
>
> Looks like there are two issues here: (1) Getting the data points for
> users/developers maps, and (2) using the most appropriate mapping
> technology.
>
> I think we can use the Zeemaps service (http://www.zeemaps.com) for
> number (1) above. The way this works is that you create a map and set a
> few passwords: (a) moderator, (b) member, and (c) viewer. Using the
> moderator password, you can set certain map properties, e.g.,
> attributes to maintain with each entry, color legends, etc. With a
> member password you can modify entries and their attributes, and with a
> viewer password you can just see details without the ability to modify
> anything. A casual user can just see the map with the markers and their
> names, without access to any details for the entries. Hence
> distributing the member password to the group and having each person
> add his or her details would be a good way to go. The number of points
> for Postgresql users can, of course, go pretty high. So far, we have
> seen reasonable performance with up to 500-600 markers. I don't know if
> there is an easy way of partitioning the user base into segments that
> can fit within this range. Another idea would be to just split the map
> after say 500 points.
>
> For the number (2) the choice seems to be between Google Maps vs.
> Mapserver and its associated Open Source tools. Having looked at
> Brent's follow up emails, it seems that Mapserver and associated
> toolkits can give much more flexibility.  Plus they have the advantage
> that we are not limited by Google's terms, the most annoying of which
> is that you cannot save, copy, or distribute the map images created.
> So, it seems best to move towards the Open Source alternatives,
> specially since they have better images as Brent points out. I've been
> looking at some of the Mapserver toolkits, and there seems to be an
> overwhelming amount of choice available for what to pick and not. So, I
> don't feel qualified to pick the right technologies to use for the base
> implementation. If someone can pick the mantle on that, I'd be happy to
> work with that person to see how we can exchange information from the
> map points stored from (1). If for the time being you feel comfortable
> continuing with Google Maps, then there's multiple ways we can share
> information developed by (1) through some kind of a web service API.
>
> Claire
>
>
> On Oct 25, 2005, at 2:33 PM, Robert Treat wrote:
>
> > Actually I have already made a basic google map for the website[1]
> > meant
> > to replace the old developers map. Check out the blog post at
> > http://people.planetpostgresql.org/xzilla/index.php?/archives/76-
> > Maptastic.html
> >
> > I'd be interested in talking more about getting more content into the
> > map and getting it in officially; One concern I had was finding a way
> > to
> > include information that won't bog down end users with too much data.
> > (I've noticed large numbers of points tend to do that)
> >
> >
> > Robert Treat
> >
> >
> > On Tue, 2005-10-25 at 12:11, Claire McLister wrote:
> >> Thanks.
> >>
> >> I looked at the Mapserver maps, and at first glance it seems Google
> >> Maps API provides better map images and more interactive features
> >> (zooming, panning, JS popups, satellite/map views, etc.)
> >>
> >> So, what would be the advantage of Mapserver apart from it being based
> >> on Open Source?
> >>
> >> We use Postgresql server to store the data. Currently, we do not use
> >> PostGIS as we do not do much geographical queries. Over time we could
> >> move in that direction to offer better geographical query support.
> >>
> >> Posting this (or a more detailed map) on the Postgresql web site
> >> sounds
> >> like a great idea. We could even allow people to add markers for their
> >> locations, and even enter more information about themselves to help
> >> postgresql users connect with each other. One potential opportunity is
> >> for users to quickly find consultants in their own area.
> >>
> >> How would we initiate this activity?
> >>
> >> Best wishes
> >>
> >> Claire
> >>
> >> On Oct 24, 2005, at 2:28 PM, Brent Wood wrote:
> >>
> >>> How about using Postgres/PostGIS & UMN mapserver for a fully Open
> >>> Source
> >>> software & Postgres based map?
> >>>
> >>> For a map like the one at
> >>> http://www.qgis.org/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=53
> >>>
> >>> perhaps on the Postgres web site?
> >>
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