A number of groups are using the google maps API. The API documentation itself seems good, with examples and all, but it might be kind of dense. I have a series of simple examples that I downloaded as part of an e-book ($8.50 at Pragmatic Programmer). They're here.
Here's a little guide to what they are all about:
- Files 1–5.html: Show basic map set up. Everyone has pretty much mastered this. The e-book gives a nice user-friendly walk-through.
- Files debug1–5.html: Show how to turn on and off various map controls. They also illustrate how to programatically control the map interface.
- Cities-nomap.html illustrates how to create a table using an input form. It's purely DOM manipulation and provides background for what is to come. No maps are involved.
- cities-map1–2.html: Show how to add markers for cities when you know the lattitude and longitude.
- cities.html looks up address lattitude and longitude using a third party geocoder. This has been a sore point for a number of groups. It requires using a pass-through proxy. Currently, you can run those on yipe using php. Google maps does not provide access to its geocoder. You must use one from a third party. Warning! My file does not use the pass-through proxy because I am not hosting it on yipe. Therefore, my file does not work.
- geocoder.us: Works for US locations.
- Maxmind has a 137MB list of city addresses with latitude and longitude. This will surpass your directory allocations, but you should be aware of the resource.
- Worldkit provides a geocoder for world locations like geocoder.us does for US locations.