There's four big Geo events in the San Francisco Bay Area this month, and Mano and I will be at all of them. Here's the details:
Where2.0: May 12-14th
Sharing Your Content on the Google Maps API
In this session, you'll roll up your sleeves and learn about publishing and sharing using the Maps API. Then we’ll hear from Google partners about what constitutes “great” content and how they expose it.
Searching the Geoweb: Exposing Your Geo Data to Search Engines
Have you been wondering how to drive traffic to that cool maps mashup you created recently? We’ll show you how to get your maps mashup crawled and indexed, and how best to optimize your content for user discovery via search using KML.
WhereCamp: May 17-18th
No sessions planned! This is an unconference - that means the participants do the session planning on the spot. So if there's a Maps API or KML topic you want to talk about, come on by and propose it! (And stay for the slumber party, there'll be lots of hacking and coffee). And, it'll be at the Googleplex! And it's free!
Web 2.0 Mapping and Social Networks Group: May 20th
Communities + Google Maps: Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger
Pamela Fox will talk about the various ways of using Google Maps & the Maps API to create user-contributed maps, covering the spectrum from no-coding solutions to full custom databases and code, and showing examples of sites successfully using each technique.
Google I/O: May 28-29th
There's lots of Geo sessions at Google I/O, here's just 3:
Harnessing StreetView, Static Maps, and other New Additions to the Google Maps API:
Ben Appleton will review some of the recent additions to the Maps API including how to use Static Maps for fast page loads and printable maps, and how to incorporate Street View imagery in your app.
Hosting Your Geo Data, an Overview of Design Options:
Mano Marks will discuss the various options for hosting your Geo data, including Google App Engine, and explain how to choose the right data model for your project.
The World's Information in Context:
Michael T. Jones will discuss new product directions and key trends of importance to geo developers.
Be sure to visit the Google I/O website to see the complete list of sessions and to register. For those coming from out of town, we've arranged discounted room rates at nearby hotels. Read the details on the website to take advantage of the discount, but move fast because the hotel discount ends May 13th.
We're looking forward to seeing you at some of these events soon.