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May 2011

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May 2011

May 2011:

Using Google Geocoding and VDF to Create Google Client Maps

We recently had a requirement to create maps that displayed customer locations and key details, such as names and addresses. In addition, we wanted the ability to filter the map results to show only certain categories of customers.

Initially, Mike Peat created a solution using Google Maps, Visual DataFlex and JavaScript. Buoyed with success, he then went on to explore how easy it would be to do the same in Microsoft’s Bing Maps.

The Google Maps Solution

Following some initial research, Mike created a Google GeoCoding client in Visual DataFlex and used that in a program to run through our customer table, storing the returned latitude and longitude results for each row, and pausing for a second every ten requests. It took a little while to process all of our data, but not too long.

With that information stored in the database, the other steps were relatively simple:

  • Build a web service that provided customer information, filtered by the requested criteria, including the stored location data (latitude and longitude)
  • Create a little Unicorn InterGlobal .PNG marker to use on the map
  • Create an HTML web page with the required selection controls on it
  • Write a JavaScript program, to be included on the web page, to first call the web service, then use the results as inputs to Google’s Maps API to plot the points on a map using the customised marker icons, with “Info Boxes” containing the customer information set to pop up when the mouse is “hovered” over each marker

Try out the results for yourself with Mike’s Google Maps Customer Location Map Generator.

To find out more about what Mike did, and to try the Microsoft Bing solution, read Creating a Customer Location Map on our website.

Visual Report Writer 2011 v1.5 is Now Available

Data Access Worldwide have announced the latest release of Visual Report Writer 2011 v1.5, which provides:

  • support for Visual DataFlex 2010/16.1
  • a redesigned DataFlex Embedded Database Driver
  • updated libraries
  • a number of key bug fixes

This release is available as both a Standard Edition and a Developer Edition.

For end users, the Standard Edition is ideal for simply creating and running reports as required. The Developer Edition is intended for developers, who in addition to designing reports, may also be responsible for access control, distribution and integrating reports with applications.

Find out about the differences between the Standard and Developer editions.

Download Visual Report Writer

To download the latest version of Visual Report Writer, you will first need to log in to your Data Access Global Account. If you don’t already have an account, you can create one from the download page.

Go to the Visual Report Writer download page.

Pervasive PSQL v11 SP1 Trial Beta Version Available

Pervasive Software has announced that the beta trial version of their PSQL v11 SP1 is now available for download.

This beta version incorporates new features and enhancements for performance monitoring, installation, interfaces, utilities, SDK access methods and Linux support.

These changes are fully documented by Pervasive at What Is New in Pervasive 1 PSQL v11 SP1.

Mertech Flex2SQL v11 Driver Released

Mertech have announced the release of their Flex2SQL v11 driver this month.

The main goal of the v11 release is to ensure coexistence with changes to the database structure outside of the DataFlex tools. The new relationship synchronizer exports DataFlex relationships to SQL backends and also allows relationships created directly on the backend to be imported into the DataFlex environment by updating the .INT file.

Read the complete list of new features and enhancements in the Flex2SQL v11 driver release.

Webinar – Introduction to Visual DataFlex 2010/16.1

Following the release of Visual DataFlex 2010/16.1, Data Access CTO, John Tuohy, presented a Webinar on aspects of the 16.1 release.

A recording of this webinar is now available from the Data Access Webinar Library.

Alternatively, if you don’t have time to watch the webinar, find out more by browsing through the PowerPoint sildes of the presentation, which highlights:

  • changes to the grids
  • the latest Studio enhancements
  • better handling of COM focus changes
  • changes to handle IE9 and Codejock compatibility issues