Update a Google Map with Brightkite
I’ve been a Geographic Information Systems nut for a while… I’ve had the bug ever since working with ESRI on an online mapping application during the dot bomb. I love it so much I actually built the Wild Birds Unlimited mapping application (and administrative interface) from scratch using the Google Maps API.
It’s why I’ve been checking out online mapping applications such as Brightkite, Fire Eagle and IRL Connect.
Brightkite’s functionality has been a favorite of mine for a while, although I don’t know anyone who updates their location quite as much as friend Jason Bean from the Bnpositive Blog. Jason is obsessed with updating his location every time he moves.
Recently I figured out that Brightkite actually publishes your own XML file along with your account. That’s all I need to know to get to hacking! You can download my test file written in PHP, update your brightkite user name and Google Maps API Key… and away you go. Keep in mind that I’m parsing the XML with SimpleXML, a library that’s available on PHP5+. Don’t contact me if it doesn’t work.
I am curious why Brightkite doesn’t simply use KML files, though. KML is native to many different GIS systems and can be opened with the Google Maps API with a couple lines of code. That would be a great addition to the service, enabling easier integration with other applications.
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