There are some features that almost every website need and a map is definitely among them. Having a quality plugin to handle your maps will not only make your life easier but ensure your maps load fast and are accessible to all users.
Extra fast, single image thumbnail maps
Although GMW doesn’t have any revolutionary features it does improve the standard Google Maps experience in many ways. One of the most important ones is the thumbnail map which is not loaded via the usual iframe method but instead it uses a much, much faster one-image approach which renders and displays a map using just one single image generated specifically for your needs.
As you can assume such map doesn’t have the usual zoom, pan or similar functions because it’s just a plain image. However if you care about your site’s speed this will significantly cut down the number of requests and hence the load time. Clicking the thumbnail opens up a larger map in a lightbox with all the usual features.
Easy setup and configuration
Plugin doesn’t require any API keys or similar post-install nonsense. Just drag-n-drop the widget to any sidebar and you’re good to go. There are 19 options that you can set and completely customize both the thumbnail and the bigger lightbox map. Predefined settings will work for most users so don’t be afraid – entering just the address to show on the map will get you going in seconds.
Options include standard map customizations such as zoom factor and map type (road, satellite, hybrid …) as well as advanced option such as lightbox skin that ensures the style fits your site’s appearance. Since the plugin’s HTML markup is trivial it will fit 99.9% sidebars right out of the box.
Free and frequently updated
Google Maps Widget is completely free and available from the WordPress plugins repository. Apart from the latest version of the plugin on WP.org you can also find the official support forum which is maintained by the plugin’s devs and video instructions. Plugin is frequently updated and new features are added weekly. Support for multiple locations per map is underway as well as are some other advanced features such as custom CSS templates for the larger maps, and shortcodes support (if you need a Google Maps shortcode plugin have a look at 5sec Google Maps).
- Google Maps Widget – An Easy Way to Add Maps to Your Site - 7 July, 2013
One comment
I like the idea of having a single image instead of the iframe. This will save significantly on the load time. I am going to check this plugin out for some of my directory sites
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