I looked at Google Map’s Flash API a while ago, trying to determine a way to integrate it into OpenLaszlo, but never had time to finish it. Today, I discovered Rmenuz, which is an OpenLaszlo application that lets you search for restaurants, and displays them using the Flash-based Google Maps.
I’m not sure what the status is of the site; it may still be under development. There’s a problem with its security certificate and I found a number of glitches with the application. You can try it at:
https://my.rmenuz.com/default.aspx
It can be hard to get to the map, since it’s only displayed if your search returns valid search results. To see the map, follow these steps:
- Click on the “Search by: CUISINE” window.
- Check “American Restaurants”.
- Select “Distance” 2.
- Enter the zip: 94107.
- Click go.
This is just what I’m trying to do at the moment, integrate the Google Maps using the Flash API into a webtop app.
I kind of became quite stumped though when I was reading the introduction stuff once getting a key and reading how the sdk libraries (in an swc file) need to be included in your Flash project. How would you do this in a Laszlo project? How do you include flash code for reference within Laszlo?
Regards,
Simon
Hi Simon,
Just to be clear: I had nothing to do with Rmenuz; I came across the site while browsing the OpenLaszlo Forums. However, I did post on the thread to find out more:
http://forum.openlaszlo.org/showthread.php?p=40428
When I looked at the Google Maps Flash API, it required SWF9. OpenLaszlo 4.1 and below all compile to SWF8 bytecode. OpenLaszlo 4.2 (available as a beta now) has an option to compile to SWF9; that’s the key new feature in that release. There may be support for .swc files in 4.2; I’ll have to give it a try.
SWF8 and SWF9 are two very separate runtimes. Unless Rmenuz was compiled with an older version of the Google Maps API, that supported Flash 8, you’d need to separately compile the OpenLaszlo SWF and combine it with the Google Maps component in a SWF9 wrapper. You’d also need to write a bridge to communicate between them. The procedure would be similar to writing an OpenLaszlo AIR app (see here: http://www.antunkarlovac.com/blog/2008/02/19/writing-an-openlaszlo-air-application/ ). I don’t know if there ever was a Google Maps Flash API built on Flash 8 – I’m just hypothesizing.
Take care,
Antun
antun, i would sure like to chat w/ya about the glitches you found with RMenuz.com…please give me a call if you get a minute: 888.827.7780
The rmenuz website seems to be having issues with the security certificate. Its inaccessible now…. cant review the functionality
I am the owner for RMenuz.com…it’s been changed…any questions feel free to buzz me direct (kevin @888.827.7780)