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A little while back, I posted a few mapping extensions that read in various kinds of data to allow mapping of regions and data on Google Maps. One major problem with those is that Google is now charging money for useof their mapping product, so in order to use this extension on any grand scale,they'd need to purchase licensing.
So, in response to this, I've built an extension which uses all open source (free) products to provide some similar mapping capabilities(and then some). The tool which provides the scrolling and "slippy" map features is called OpenLayers which reads in map imagery from OpenStreetMap. What I've done this time, however, is built the extension to read in KML files for the regions. KML is a format that is very common in the industry (Google Earth uses and creates the files) ,and there are many tools out there to convert other formats (like shape files) into the KML format.
So, for example, I went and found a KML file for the US 50 states and put it into this new extension, and was able to create a map similar to my other US Map extension:
New Features
Above and beyond the normal features of the extensions I created for Google, this extension provides a few new features:
I've attached the extension as well as a QVW and quick guide. In the extension is a sample KML file called us_states.kml that can be used with the example QVW.
Please let me know if you have any questions. Hopefully this is useful to people.
Due to some issues with versions of Internet Explorer prior to 9 and how it handles different data formats, it is now necessary to change the KML file into an XML file prior to loading it into the extension. So, for example, if you have a KML named "counties.kml" you need to change the file extension so it becomes "counties.xml". Hopefully I'll eventually get time so this last step can be avoided, but for now it's necessary in order for the extension to work in IE8.
I've updated the attatchments on this post to use an XML file, so the examples should now work.
Hi Arun
thank you for the answer. It's so simple but (because there is alaways one), what files are needed to build the .qar?
I saw Definition.xml. What informations are needed to script it?
Do I have to know Java script?
So, is there any tutorial which show how to build a .qar for maps?
Best regards
Chris
Hi Brian,
Could you please share the us_states.xml file.
I want to create it for other states.
I am trying for all the countries and states inside it.
Thanks in advance,
Keerthi
Hi Arun,
Can u tell me how its done for india???
Thanks in advance
Keerthi
Hi,
Minimum 1 file (Defination.xml) is required to build an extension object.
To enhance it, we can add property and script file.
You can follow this tutorial for building a basic extension object. Can convert it to .qar file to directly install it in QV.
http://www.qliktips.com/2011/01/beginners-guide-to-qlikview-extension.html
Hi,
You have to develop a KML file for that.
Just find open data for indian states, and prepare kml file to use in extension.
can u share your kml files.
Hi Brian,
Cau you share the KML files. I want KML files for some countries.
Thanks in advance,
Keerthi
Hi Brian,
Could you please share the KML files you have.
I have for US States. Need other countries too.
Thanks in advance,
Keerthi
I don't really have a library of KML files, but they're not that difficult to find online. Natural Earth is a good resource:
http://www.naturalearthdata.com/downloads/10m-cultural-vectors/10m-admin-0-countries/
FYI everyone I've combined this map (which doesn't work in IE 10) with my DRAFT map on qlik market and fixed the IE problem. See this post for more info New map that reads KML files and plots coordinates