Google Maps JavaScript API Cookbook

Drawing shapes on the map

You have probably explored vector overlays in Chapter 3, Adding Vector Layers. Without getting into details, you can add markers, lines, and polygons programmatically using the Google Maps JavaScript API. But if you wanted to draw these vector overlays—not programmatically, but with mouse clicks or touch gestures, like in AutoCAD or ArcGIS for Desktop—what would you do?

The drawing library handles this job, enables you to draw vector shapes as per your preference, and shows them on top of your base maps.

In this recipe, we will go over the details of how to draw shapes, deal with their extensive set of options, and how to handle their specific events.

Getting ready

The first recipe of Chapter 1, Google Maps JavaScript API ...