Using Yahoo Maps

I started recently experimenting with Yahoo Maps. I was drawn to them for a number of reasons to mention a few: Their use of Macromedia Flash and ability to load markers without affecting performance.

Yahoo has two types of Maps. The AJAX version which is very close to the Google Maps one and the Flash version which has huge potential. One main distinctive feature that sets the Yahoo maps apart from Google is the ability to run the Maps locally on the computer. Google requires you to run the map from a website. The Yahoo AJAX Maps API is very similar to the Google Maps API. I am almost positive that they have decided to replicate everything that Google came up with including function names for the API. As far as performance, I noticed that the Yahoo AJAX maps load fast and has the ability to handle markers better than Google. I still need to run more tests to compare other features. Yahoo AJAX Maps however have a very lame Bubble window. The Google Bubble window on the other hand is more complex and has a better interface.

The Yahoo Flash Maps is a different beast. The API calls are very different than the AJAX version. I will give this map more testing. The Flash Maps has a nicer layout than Google and Yahoo AJAX maps. However, the map performance when it comes to dragging and refreshing images is not as good.

In the next few days I will run a head to head comparison between the AJAX and Flash versions of the Yahoo Maps. And a comparison between the Google and Yahoo Maps features

Categories: Dynamic Maps_