29/2 API's

Here are some articles on what people think about the API's.

Google API vs. Yahoo API

28/2 Google vs. Microsoft vs. Yahoo

I am going to have a look at the content already out there to get a basic overview of what people think of these products so far. Atm i am just looking at the result of using these products and what other people think, later on i will obviously have to figure out what it is like to use the API's.

Links
Virtual Earth
Orielly Google vs. Microsoft article
Interesting table comparing basic functions

Google vs. Yahoo
Digg Article
Example

Google vs. Yahoo vs. Microsoft
Digg Article

27/2 Next Step - Starting!

My project proposal draft has been sent in. So now i must wait. However i feel the need to carry on with some research any ways. I will post my completed proposal once its accepted so this makes sense. I am starting to research into the available mapping API/webservices available for my disposal. So far i am interested in Google Maps and Microsoft Virtual Earth. Below are some links that i have been looking at so far.

http://www.google.com/apis/maps/gallery/mapsAPIProducts.html#utm_source=maps_home

http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb429619.aspx

Google has an API for websites, but also has Google Maps for Enterprize. Microsoft has Virtual Earth API, but also Microsoft Mappoint. (Once i have learnt more i will add info on all of these and other possible mapping services).

Project

Here is where i will be keeping my own personal project information and problems etc. Feel free to read and comment if you wish :D (just dont make me feel like too much of a noob)

Quick project overview

My main goal is to implement a system based on job tracking that incorporates mapping to enhance the usability and ease of finding client/job locations. Not only will the user be able to map out one client/job location, they will also be able to combine a list of jobs for the day and get back a map with the most efficient route to take which will cut down travel time.

Many businesses have job tracking; this could be repairs, deliveries or picking people up. What these systems are missing is mapping that not only shows all of the locations and directions to get to a job, but a system that also combines the days jobs and decides on the most efficient routes to take based on priority, distance and time.

Because many businesses use tracking technology the application made will be generic enough to meet the needs of different tracking types. This application would be beneficial to a business by reducing travel time, planning out the best routes to take and easy locating of clients.

Below is a list of the main functionality the application will perform.

· Mapping – Routing based on a days worth of jobs that the user will select
· Generic - Won’t be based on any specific type of job
· Full tier web application using Object Oriented design – web service?
· An address book with client/job locations
· A list of jobs that can be assigned to certain staff