I have been working with a couple of developers over the last couple of years to build an interactive mapping plugin. I love using Open Street Maps, a UK based mapping site. It pre-dates Google’s mapping data. It is community powered (changes happen quickly) and also open data. Free to use as long as you credit Open Street Maps. Read more about then here.
OpenStreetMap is built by a community of mappers that contribute and maintain data about roads, trails, cafés, railway stations, and much more, all over the world.
So, why build one? It started out as an exercise in learning JavaScript and using Leaflet to build an interactive map for Encounter Walking (my employer). Damon who runs the company has done a lot for me and is the best boss around. So I wanted to build for him the best interactive map around. There was no motive (more pay, more leave, special favours, etc), I just wanted to say thanks and do the best I could for him and the firm. By the way, his attitude to his employees reflects how he behaves to his customers and suppliers. Book a holiday with him, you won’t regret it! Plus I might get that pay raise!
Leaflet is an awesome project. Although I have used Linux for around 17 years and Ubuntu for some of those, I still get excited when I meet open sourced projects. Leaflet is an open-source JavaScript library for mobile-friendly interactive maps. The team have produced brilliant libraries and tutorial, go and have a read.
Anyway, back to the story. So I started programming using Leaflet and because I use WordPress, I looked around for a plugin. There are many but I wanted to build my own. And this is it. Download it for free here!
Please tell me in the comments what you think and if you want to send some money, it will provide for the continued development and also towards this youth work.
Thanks for taking the time to read.