Map in Access

[spikepl]

I need this:

1. From an address in the DB (mostly US-addresses) to have a picture of the map of the location and vicinity
2. To be able to insert this picture in a report

I have googled around, and there are many options with GoogleMaps, MapQuest, Mappoint and others.

Instead of stepping on all the mines myself, perhaps somebody would provide me with a hint or two? Should I go for an API, or just use some existing features via http ? (I'm not quite sure how to grab a map from a browser display though)

 

[jdraw]

I'd suggest FollowHyperlink ...
Build the Address specifics in code, then do the FollowHyperlink

See this link

http://www.dbforums.com/microsoft-access/1623424-hyperlink-mapquest-insert-address.html

Good luck

 

[spikepl]

Thanks for the input but I don't have a problem creating a map in a browser.

I have a problem getting it into a report. How do you propose I extract the map from the browser?

 

[jdraw]

There are a few things to consider.
See the Terms Of Use on the Google map.

At one location it said it might be illegal to save a map image.
Most say it's very difficult because the image in the browser is made of several layers. It suggested something called MapData.

http://www.google.com/permissions/geoguidelines.html identifies Google's response when someone asks how to save a map image.

Some related posts
http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/maps/thread?tid=28bc588d928d6a1a&hl=en

Google shows a demonstration on where to find attribution in Earth and Maps.

I found that you can get the map you want, make it as full screen as possible and save it using PrintScreen (I'm using Vista Home).
Then open an image software (I use IrfanView) and identify the image you want ( then add Google attribution along the lines of their demo).

The Google attribution is on the map, or the picture in the streetview, if you keep it in the final jpg. If you remove the Google attribution, suggest you add a facsimile of your own, to be safe.

Then save the whole thing as a jpg or whatever format you want.

I attached samples

 

[spikepl]

#3 Thanks again.

Perhaps I should've been more clear: The entire process is to be automated, because the manual cutting/pasting is what takes place right now.

As to the rights, I 'm fine with alle the reqs by GoogleMaps. The objective is to show a location on a map, and have several such maps in a report, one for each required location.

 

[spikepl]

Using the ActiveX WebBrowser object in a form, I can at last display a map, based on an address in my table. I tried to get it into a report, but no joy. I might be able to insert the form into a report, or perhaps not.

Anyone with any experience in this matter? I need several maps, and the number of the maps is variable from report to report.

 

[spikepl]

Using the active x webbrowser object in a form is pretty slow.

Any better suggestions?

 

[darbid]

Here is an example of how to get a pic from Google.

It is in german but you should be able to work it out. You basically get an address then press the button at the bottom. (I think from memory) Schnappschussfoto.

http://www.access-im-unternehmen.de/index1.php?id=300&BeitragID=457

I see they have added a part II which I have not looked at yet.

http://www.access-im-unternehmen.de/index1.php?id=300&BeitragID=670

 

[darbid]

PS it looks like you have to login now. I do not remember that. shit.

But you can create an account for 1 week to get these 2 examples. I am pretty sure part 1 is exactly what you want.

 

[darbid]

Go here and give your details.

http://www.access-im-unternehmen.de/380.0.html

it says you will then get a confirmation email which you click on and will get login details or you will be logged in automatically.

I have a "special" email address for these kinds of things.

 

[spikepl]

I have scoured the articles: it seems a bit heavy-duty for just wanting a streetMAP, something that can be done on the web with two clicks

But the most important point is not mentioned anywhere: will this stuff render in a report? I have run across a comment on the web that the Microsoft Active WebBrowser, which can display a web page in a form, does not render in a report. Does the Google ActivX-thinggy?

For that is my objective.

Perhaps one could do something with Print? Print a webpage to a PDF file and grab that from Access?

 

[darbid]

I have scoured the articles: it seems a bit heavy-duty for just wanting a streetMAP, something that can be done on the web with two clicks

But the most important point is not mentioned anywhere: will this stuff render in a report? I have run across a comment on the web that the Microsoft Active WebBrowser, which can display a web page in a form, does not render in a report. Does the Google ActivX-thinggy?

For that is my objective.

Perhaps one could do something with Print? Print a webpage to a PDF file and grab that from Access?

The example databases show you how to get an address on google maps and then create a picture. This picture you could save and then display on a report.

They have a lot of fluff there so you can choose an address etc - you will do this all in the backgound.

see here for an answer about the webbrowse and reports. I also do not think it is possible.
http://www.access-programmers.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=193929

By the way I do not use reports much. I make a form instead with limited input abilities.

 

[spikepl]

The example databases show you how to get an address on google maps and then create a picture. This picture you could save and then display on a report.

Do you know if I can do that all in code? Because manual interaction is not an option.

I'll have a look at the examples.

 

[darbid]

yes - you can.

1. get address from your database
2. open a form with webbrowse on it (you might not have to have it visible)
3. use code in example to take it and make a pic
4. save in temp file
5. generate report and show pic.

 

[spikepl]

OK thanks.

I'll be back

 

[vbaInet]

I would go with this option -->

I'd suggest FollowHyperlink ...
Build the Address specifics in code, then do the FollowHyperlink

See this link

http://www.dbforums.com/microsoft-access/1623424-hyperlink-mapquest-insert-address.html

Good luck

But there will be no need for FollowHyperlink. Generate the URL in code and add the link to the report. Save the report as PDF and send to client. Client clicks the link in the pdf and is redirected to the map based on the coordinates on the link.

 

[spikepl]

#16 I agree with you, and that is of course the sensible solution. Getting data from the web, concocting a lot of code, mailing the output to the customer who then opens the report on a computer is of course utter nonsense.

Prior to convincing my customer that that is the right way to go, my inner nerd wanted - and still wants - to know how far I could replicate their current workflow.

 

[Thales750]

If you are not successful in finding an automated solution. Google Picasa is the most elegant screen capture I have ever seen. If it is running during a screen capture it will pop up, and all you have to do is click it.

Good luck, I’m following this thread. We could all use this.

 

[jdraw]

#16 I agree with you, and that is of course the sensible solution. Getting data from the web, concocting a lot of code, mailing the output to the customer who then opens the report on a computer is of course utter nonsense.

Prior to convincing my customer that that is the right way to go, my inner nerd wanted - and still wants - to know how far I could replicate their current workflow.

spikepl,
What's the latest?

 

[spikepl]

#19 Temporary standstill :-( due to ....

But I will be back, in a few days but not before.

Watch this space