CHAPTER 2Getting Started

In this chapter, you'll learn how to create your first Google map project, plot some markers, and add a bit of interactivity. Because JavaScript plays such a central role in controlling the maps, you'll also start to pick up a few essentials about that language along the way.

In this chapter, we will step through the following:

  • Setting up your Rails application
  • Getting off the ground with a basic map and a Google Maps API key
  • Separating the map application's JavaScript functions and XHTML
  • Unloading finished maps to help browsers free their memory
  • Creating map markers and responding to clicks on them with an information pop-up

On JavaScript, Helpers, and Plug-ins

Rails' baked-in integration with Prototype and Scriptaculous ...

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