Developing GeoInformation System for Sudan Using Google Maps Mashups

Abstract

Recently, there has seen increasing interest in developing online map services using Google Maps with Mashups, which are used for integrating different web resources and information within a web site. Mashups are based on Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) that are online libraries of functions. Most of the APIs are available free for web developers, Google Map API one of them. In this study we created map mashups for Sudan using Google Map API. Thus we are considering a Geoinformation System of Sudan by overlaying data on Google Maps. For creating this system, we used PHP script to retrieve geodata from database and then convert it into XML files which are fully compatible to integrate the database'scontent with Google Maps API by using JavaScript. Through this system, anyone can search about trustful and up-to-date geoinformation about Sudan by easy way and by simple manner, furthermore the way of visualization of geoinformatin on google maps well clear and understandable. The main contribution is that we are using map services and Mashup technology to display the States location with its localities and population, as well as well-known universities in each State to help people in general for searching about Geoinformation, which is organized, complete and up-to-date in Sudan.