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HHS Center for New Media

Google Maps API Premier

The work in HHS impacts Americans all over the country, and now you can show people just where that impact is taking place by displaying your location-based information on a customized interactive map. Displaying information on maps can show off the great work your office is doing, demonstrate a relationship between two sources of information, or encourage those in other locations to get involved in your program. You can create basic maps that plot simple location points, or you can create more advanced features including regions and multiple display options.

Information on the Enterprise Agreement 

HHS has signed an enterprise agreement with Google for use of the Google Maps Premier API. All offices and individuals within the Department can access the Premier API at no cost.

When maps play an important role on your public website, or are incorporated in an internal application for employees, organizations need an enterprise-class application that handles high volumes and provides necessary support.  Google Maps for Enterprise also provides complete control over the user interface for advanced functionality.

Key Benefits

The agreement includes the following key benefits:

  • Access to the Premier API comes at no cost to offices within the Department
  • Ads can be removed
  • Access to additional Google APIs:
    • Maps JavaScript API
    • Maps API for Flash
    • Google Earth API
    • Static Maps API
    • Web Services (includes: Directions, Distance Matrix, Elevation, Geocoding, Places)
  • Ability to deliver securely over https
  • No cost support 24/7

Accessing the Premier API

To take advantage of this agreement and receive the HHS encriptographic key, email gmaps@hhs.gov with the following information:

  • URL of the webpage the map will be embedded on
  • Number of viewers this webpage is estimated to receive over the next year
  • Fed contact info (name, title, Agency/Office, phone number)
  • Simple explanation as to the purpose of the map, the value it will provide to your users

 

Mapping 101: Getting Started with Google Maps

Q: What kinds of information can be plotted on a map?

Q: How do I get the information on the map?

Q: What do I get with a Google Maps License?

Q: What do I do with the Google maps License?

Q: What is KML?

Q: How do I convert my information to KML?

Q: How difficult is it to convert my information to KML?

Q: Are the maps accessible to people with disabilities?

Q: What do I do once I have converted my information to KML?

Q: What else can I do other than just put points on a map?

Q: Can my site visitor use my map on a mobile device? 

 

Q: What kinds of information can be plotted on a map?

At HHS, many programs work with groups across the country in many different capacities.  Does your office have a set of information that contains location information? Examples might include: grants, videos, pictures, service centers, office locations, etc. that contain any sort of location information, such as zip code, address, gps location, state, district, region, latitude/longitude, etc.

Q: How do I get the information on the map?

You will need to convert your information into XML, CSV, or KML.

Q: What do I get with a Google Maps License?

You will receive a client ID and the HHS cryptographic key.  Do not share this information, and do not put it in any publicly accessible code.

You will need to use your client id to use selected Google Maps API Web Services. You will need to sign your requests using the HHS secret cryptographic key.

If you have lost either, contact gmaps@hhs.gov

Q: What do I do with the Google maps License?

Your developer will use the client ID and the cryptographic key to exchange the data in the KML file with Google maps.

Q: What is KML?

KML is a file format used to display geographic data in an earth browser, such as Google Earth, Google Maps, and Google Maps for mobile. Like HTML, KML has a tag-based structure with names and attributes used for specific display purposes. Thus, Google Earth and Maps act as browsers for KML files.

KML can be used to:

  • Specify icons and labels to identify locations on the planet surface
  • Create different camera positions to define unique views for each of your features
  • Use image overlays attached to the ground or screen
  • Define styles to specify feature appearance
  • Write HTML descriptions of features, including hyperlinks and embedded images
  • Use folders for hierarchical grouping of features
  • Dynamically fetch and update KML files from remote or local network locations
  • Fetch KML data based on changes in the 3D viewer
  • Display COLLADA textured 3D objects

Q: How do I convert my information to KML?

You will probably need access to a developer who is knowledgeable in KML or at least XML and willing to learn KML. KML is an XML language for describing geographic content. Visit the Google resources on KML for additional information about KML.  The KML file will be uploaded to your server and read by Google maps.

Q: How difficult is it to convert my information to KML?

The answer to this question depends on what format your information is in before it is converted to KML.  Your information may start out in Excel, Notepad, Access, a relational database, or even a Word file.  It will be easiest to work with your data in CSV  (which can be created using Microsoft Excel) or if you have a database that can export XML.

Q: Are the maps accessible to people with disabilities?

No, Google maps are not accessible to people with disabilities.  You will have to provide the content for each location point in an alternative format for people using assistive technology.  This can be achieved by making a static html page with the data available, or an accessible PDF or CSV version of the data.

Q: What do I do once I have converted my information to KML?

Once you have your information in a KML file, you will need a Google maps license.  If you have not already, contact gmaps@hhs.gov to obtain your license.

Q: What else can I do other than just put points on a map?

Google maps is capable of more advanced levels of interaction, such as being able to toggle the display of difference types of data on a single map, different regions, and different effects when a user clicks a location point (zoom, view angle, equations to total grants dollars for selected items, drill down into more data, etc.). 

More advanced map functions require more complex coding.  That means that you will need access to a developer with specialized knowledge of advanced web scripting languages.  If you need more information about what questions to ask, or you know that you currently do not have this expertise on your team, contact gmaps@hhs.gov for assistance.

Q: Can my site visitor use my map on a mobile device?

Yes, the Google Maps JavaScript API v3 has been developed to cater to mobile devices, and is suitable for browser applications targeted at both the desktop and devices that include a web browser with a full JavaScript implementation, such as the Apple iPhone.

 

Helpful resources for implementing Google Maps: