New York City Subway: Google Maps + Flash
What is this?
This is the online New York City Subway map, overlaid on top of the Google Maps. Hopefully it is a little more usable, or at least more cool, than the original.
More importantly, it is an experiment in using Flash to overlay data on top of Google Maps in a richer way than is possible using their standard system. This is made possible using the new VGMap library.
Why was it done?
The Google Maps API allows developers to place point and line data on their maps in the form of markers, and polylines. What it does not allow for is vector graphics, which precludes the use of Google Maps for more sophisticated GIS applications.
Flash provides for vector drawing, as well as a well-worn interactive and animation functionality. This subway map is intended as a proof-of-concept for the new VGMap library we have developed.
How does it work?
The underlying mapping and interaction model are provided by the oh-so-sweet Google Maps API.
The connection between the GMap API and the flash overlay is managed by the new VGMap library that this project is intended to demonstrate.
The actual route and station data for the NYC Subway system was turned into a single flash layer which is scaled and translated according to match the interactions with the Google Maps API.
What is wrong?
For now, the overlay interrupts the standard interactions with Google Maps. Thus, it is given a 50-pixel buffer around the sides in which the user can still click on the map controls, and click/drag the map around. Also, transparent Flash components do not seem to work in linux.
CREDITS/THANKS
This is a project by Eyebeam R&D
It was conceived and executed by Michael Frumin, R&D Technical Director at Eyebeam.
He owes great thanks for unending flash knowledge and support to Michal Migurski and the whole Stamen Design team. In particular, the knowledge and code from Migurski's Putting Data On The Map presentation.
He also thanks tremendously Steve Romalewski from CMAP/NYPIRG for NYC Subway geo-data, which unfortunately will not be redistributed on this site.
In-browser geo-coding (location finding) is made possible by the geocoder.us web service and MGeocoder (by brainoff.com).
DISCLAIMER
This is a technology experiment, so please by no means should you entrust to it your punctuality or personal well-being. Make sure to check out the Official NYC Subway Map if anything of any importance is on the line.
There are already a handful of subway maps implemented with the standard GMap API, some that even have awesome route-finding capabilities (eg. Paris, Chicago, SF BART, and yes even NYC). This example just makes use of a data set I happen to have and care about to illustrate the potential of a richer graphical GMap layer using the VGMap library. I don't even do Flash stuff!!
This site is in no way affilliated with Google.
FEEDBACK
Please, let me know what you think: mfrumin@eyebeam.org
Resize: 400px | 500px | 600px | 700px | 800px | 900px | 1000px (smaller = faster)
Note: This map is mostly a demonstration of VGMap. For the best online NYC Subway map around, please check out ON NY Turf.