If a “picture is worth a thousand words” … then “a map to go with it is worth just as much” …

In the age of digital photography,  linked up with fast and efficient global travel … mapping of your photographs is the “next step” in being able to pull the viewer further into your photography by providing them them a geographical perspective of the photograph … There are a number of web based mapping applications; Microsoft Virtual Earth, Google Maps and OpenStreet to mention a few … then if you want to tie any of these into a Wordpress Site (or other) you will need a plugin, and there are a few to choose from on the Word Press Plugin Site …

I have tested the GeoMap plugin, though found it to be very limited … it will simply insert a map into your post and that is it … though I must say the implementation is nice … the developer did a great job on “seamless integration” … if your needs are such that all  you need is a map, with no “bells and whistles”, the GeoMap may suit you well … GeoMap does “work out of the box” … though, I have chosen the UMapper Map plugin:

The UMapper plugin is a universal mapping platform that makes it a snap to create engaging maps and add them to your blog posts. Microsoft Virtual Earth, Google Maps, and OpenStreet are all supported by this truly universal plugin.

The key advantages include:

Allows non-technical users to create and manipulate objects, markers and geometrical shapes on the map

Provides “save” and “edit” functionality

Provides collaboration tools, map wiki, and social networking features (comments, ratings, etc.)

Allows map distribution via embeds and widgets

Allows syndication of map data using KML

Supported map providers:

Microsoft Virtual Earth (Better than Google Maps, more detail, though sometimes to much detail) 

Google Maps (Standard flair, and there are some issues with clashing plugins within Wordpress)

OpenStreet (AMAZING detail, the map to use in providing directions on how to get from A to Z)

Features:

Integrated map editor - manipulating geo contents has never been easier!

Switching between map providers when creating a map, and later on when editing.

Popular shortcode architecture introduced in WordPress 2.5

Editor has HTML capabilities and allows Wikipedia and GeoNames search!!

So, where is it that I take my “sunset” photographs here in Manila … well it is Manila Bay, viewed best from The Bay Walk located just south of Intramuros on Roxas Blvd in the town of Malate … famous for some of the most amazing sunsets in the world, with the historical island of Corregidor in sight … easy taxi drive from the Makati Shangri La or if you are staying in Edsa, the Edsa Shangri La …

If this is your first time to Manila, you still have no graphical perspective what-so-ever as to where the bay walk is … let’s throw in a UMapper Map and see what this will do for us …

This is an OpenStreet Map … the detail is rather amazing … pan and zoom in … it is a very accurate map …

MAP NOTES: Drag Cursor on Map to Pan (some points may be hidden out of view) … Mouse over Map Points for more Information … If there is a (red color) circle with a numerical value inside, this means there are “stacked” Map Points, select and the “stacked map points” will be revealed … select Aerial for a Satellite View and Hybrid for Road View superimposed onto a Satellite View … 

UMapper also provides the option of doing Wiki Searches for the insertion of markers on your map … not only will it pin point the location on the map, it will also pull an excerpt from Wiki for inclusion in the information box of the marker … very cool indeed … so here is a map I put together on Manila Bayyou have full control of the map; panning and zooming …

Obviously this is a mere example of what one could do with UMapper Map … here is one way you could possibly implement this … from a trip I made a few years back, touring the “ancient” Spanish Colonial Churches of the Philippines … 14 in all … I have added markers .. the “numerical markers” are for the churches, while the “dark colored” markers are other points of interest you will see when making this trip … or, should not not have the time or interest to view the post, here is the map that I implemented:

MAP NOTES: Drag Cursor on Map to Pan (some points may be hidden out of view) … Mouse over Map Points for more Information … If there is a (red color) circle with a numerical value inside, this means there are “stacked” Map Points, select and the “stacked map points” will be revealed … select Aerial for a Satellite View and Hybrid for Road View superimposed onto a Satellite View … 

Enjoy!