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Google Calendar Map

Using the Map as a Filter

 

Chad Norwood

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Original Problem

  • Too Many Events
  • Unfamiliar with Event Locations
  • Want To Maximize Event Attendance while Minimizing Travel

 

... If only I could see all the events on a map,

I could decide which ones to attend.

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ex: padmapper.com - craigslist rentals + google maps

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Original Solution: 

Google Calendar + Google Maps

Pros:

  • Both have APIs
  • Both have great UIs with many features
  • Both are fairly stable and won't go away soon
  • Both are popular, minimal learning curve for user

 

Cons:

  • UI challenge - combine them "well"
  • Users without google calendars must create one (barrier to adoption), although it is arguable the best free public calendar

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Evolution .. What It Is Now

  • Evolved into: map as a filter + list of calendar events
    • When zoomed in on a neighborhood, list only events in that neighborhood
    • Map as filter is more powerful when combined with other filters, like choosing start/end dates, times, etc.
  • Helps users decide between simultaneous events
    • Know place, need to pick a time?  Consult GCM to kill 2 birds
  • Simple Usage
    • Grab any Google calendar's XML link, drop it in - it just works
  • Examples
    • Sunset District (SF) - about 45 events over next week
    • My Meetup.com - about 20 events over next month

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GCM: What It Is NOT

  • Not great for calendars with few events (ex: 3 per year)
  • Not great for events you MUST attend (like work or school)
  • Not great for mobile - complicated UI
  • Not as simple as twitter .. more like facebook - there is alot of data

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Original Design, San Francisco Events

chadnorwood.com/gcm

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New Design: Zoom Out, All Items

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New Design: Zoom In, Fewer Items

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Key Features

  • Events are listed in a table, sortable by name, date, location (and time)
  • Zooming or dragging map instantly updates table, listing only events on the map
  • Clicking on event name on list, opens popup on map
  • Clicking on market on map, highlights event in table
  • Supports multiple events at one location
  • Jump to an address or location - just type it in
  • Share a specific events calendar with exact map location and zoom level - just like the "link" button on google maps

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More Examples

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  • Examples: Events throughout the day�
    • Garage sales on craigslist
    • Homeowners: Open Houses 
  • Examples: Events throughout the summer or year
    • Chicago Summer Festivals
    • Summer guide to music, shows for indie bands

 

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GCM Todo

  • Improve UI 
    • Not too simple, Not too complex/busy
    • Don't lose sight of original problem - TMI
  • Fix Unresolvable Addresses
    • If google can't decode, try removing "13th floor.."
  • Clean up code and release it as jquery plugin
  • Filters: Sliders like Kayak.com
    • Have start/end sliders like flight take off just day initially, �but could do hour if demanded
  • Multiple Calendars
    • each with show/hide checkbox, like google calendar
  • Integrate with Google Login
    • List all google calendars, checkbox ones to show
    • Easily copy events "definitely attending" to personal calendar
  • Work with calendars other than Google Calendar
    • meetup.com

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GCM: Influences

  • UI
    • kayak.com filters
    • padmapper.com
  • Code
    • jquery
    • jquery-ui
    • blueprint

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Would Love Help

  • Design
    • Welcome suggestions or someone to help
  • Looking for Users
    • More public calendars
    • other ideas
  • Related sites - know any 
    • Cool map sites?
    • Well designed data-heavy sites?   (ex: kayak.com)

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Thats It.

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Questions?