Tutorial for Google Maps Tools in Drupal
The Google Maps Tools module for Drupal is a comprehensive Drupal package that enables many of the functions of Google's development package for Google Maps service. The module lets you incorporate addresses and directions, either by pre-setting destination points or by allowing the user to select his own. The maps are incorporated into Drupal content types, which lets you create custom map nodes, or add maps to existing nodes.
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Drupal Version Compatibility
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The Google Maps Tools module is compatible with all releases of Drupal 5 and 6. It is not compatible with Drupal 7. Because Drupal's module development is community-based, a developer could start a project on Drupal.org to port the module to Drupal 7, or to future Drupal releases, and recruit other developers on the site to contribute.
Drupal Module Dependencies
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The Google Maps Tools module for Drupal depends on a number of other modules to function. This includes the CCK (Content Construction Kit) module, which allows administrators to create custom content types with customizable fields, the Geonames module which allows Google Maps Tools to pinpoint locations using the Geonames API, and the JQuery UI module, which provides the overlay interface for creating maps and locations. Other required modules include Devel, Geotaxonomy and Views.I
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Installing and Activating Google Maps Tools
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Installing and activating the Google Maps Tools module is the same as installing and activating any other Drupal module. Administrators can download the zip package from the module repository, as well as the modules it's dependent on.
Ideally, the modules Google Maps Tools requires should be installed first, followed by the Google Maps Tools module itself. Administrators unzip the module package and upload them to the sites/all/modules directory on the server. Once uploaded, they can be activated in the "Modules" section in the "Site Building" administration menu.
Using Google Maps Tools
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After installing and activating the required modules, obtain a free Google Maps API key to enable the Google Maps Tools module. Input the API into the "API" field in the Drupal site configuration menu.
Manage your custom icons and map graphics in the "Icon Settings" menu inside "Site Configuration." Here you'll be able to upload custom icons for your Drupal site's maps.
To add the Google Maps content field to a content type, open "Manage Fields" inside "Content Types" and select the applicable Google Maps Tools field, such as the address or destination point.
Create a new piece of content using the content type and configure your map settings on the content creation screen to display a map.
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