Beginning Google Maps Mashups with Mapplets, KML, and GeoRSS: From Novice to Professional

Appendixes

APPENDIX AMapping Fundamentals

Not long ago, the specialized skills required to make accurate maps meant that the endeavor was restricted to trained cartographers. With the Google Maps API, you now have that ability yourself, with no more specialized knowledge than keeping your latitude and longitude coordinates straight (and some basic web design, of course). Nonetheless, some additional background on cartographic principles will make you a better map programmer, and that's what you'll find in this appendix.

Most of the information here is indeed to do with latitude and longitude: different formats you might encounter, how precise you need to be, and the relation of the two numbers to each other. You'll also learn about how to calculate ...