after getting api key and change in soure code(string,map.xml,manifest.xml) emulator not showing any location (it simply blank line page) where i should change next?

The emulator wont show the map image because you have to export the signed apk file in order to show the map images. Just export the signed content of your project with your keystore and then test that apk file on your device.

hi frd i got ur point , by use of The Eclipse Keytool Plugin i generate md5 fingerprint and generate api key which key store i want to use .i confused http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaXE2FUENFI

Hi Ram, You need to create an apk that is signed with your release key. Then install that on your device (or emulator), and you should see map tiles. Mark

i want use new keystore or existing keystore? during export and existing keystore means wat is the location release key and debug key is same?(api key)

Use the keytool to get an MD5 fingerprint for your release keystore. If you don't have a release keystore, you can use the tool to create one. With that MD5 fingerprint, get the Google Maps API key. Then modify the appropriate buzztouch files with that key. Create an apk file, signing it with your release keystore. Install the apk on your device. Hopefully the map tiles will show up. Mark

thanks mark but release keystore and debug keystore is same?

but release keystore and debug keystore is same? No, they're not. Fred

Hey Ram, Couple more things that are important to understand: * Your Eclipse install comes with a debug.keystore, but nothing else. * You need to manually create your release.keystore, and you can use the Keytool Plugin to do so. * You must use the same release.keystore you're going to sign your final app with to get your Google Maps API. They must be the same keystore. You can't create a keystore for the maps API, and one for apk release, and expect it to work. Here's a tutorial I wrote up about keystores...it should help get you on the right track! Mark

sounds really helpful Mark but you forgot the link to the tutorial? thanks :)

Sorry about that! Check this out: http://www.buzztouch.com/forum/thread.php?tid=84308A45D0AECFC6F296DDA and this: http://www.buzztouch.com/forum/thread.php?tid=F7C6774F77ABA0B0125C141 Let me know if you have any questions! Mark

I looked at both and as always great guides but still a little confused on how you install the apk file on the emulator? I followed the video and received both keys and pasted in strings so I'm still showing a white grid. Don't I need to paste the code google gives you some where also?

Hi LA, You just need to paste the release key in the string.xml file, where is says GoogleMapsApiReleaseKey (or something similar to that). Then in screen_map.xml you need to make sure it says ReleaseKey and not DebugKey (you'll see where...it's a small file). Then compile and sign the app with the SAME release keystore you used to get the maps API key. That's essential...it has to be the same key. Then install the apk in your emulator (here's a video showing how : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ohlah9xTv0) and you should be good! Mark

It says android:apiKey= then I put my api key there in quotes with a /> correct? not debug key? I did the install of apk of adobe which was easy vid..thank you but stuck on the "Then compile and sign the app with the SAME release keystore you used to get the maps API key. That's essential...it has to be the same key. " ?? I dont want to go to market or anything just want the map to show up on emulator.

The string should look exactly like this: android:apiKey="@string/googleMapsAPIKeyRelease" You don't put the actual API key there...that gets transferred in as a variable when the program compiles. Make sure it looks exactly lie the above. The only way I and others have been able to get the map tiles to show up is to use the release key. While it's the same key you'll use when you publish, it doesn't mean you HAVE to publish. It's just a way of signing your app. Mark

ok that part is fine then. I have put the keys in the strings as per guide but what u mean by compile and sign the app? If my API key is already in strings then how do I sign?

You have to create a .apk file that is basically the app. Read through the doc I sent you (The buzztouch Guide to Android) and it shows you all the steps. Mark

Will do again and I do remember creating a .apk file but sometimes here the developers need to try to remember we r aspiring developers and still trying to remember the lingo. Sometimes our lingo becomes crossed which the steps become confusing :-)

Totally understand! That's why I wrote that document...because it was how I learn (I don't really consider myself a developer) and I wanted to give people a step-by-step method for creating and publishing their apps. If there is anything in the document that is unclear or which can be improved upon, just let me know! Thanks, Mark

The guide to Android link is broken.

I just tested it out and it's working. Here is the link I used: https://www.buzztouch.com/files/howtos/buzztouch_For_Android-A_Users_Guide.pdf They just switched the site to SSL (https vs. http), so you may have to log out of your account and them log back in. But the above link does work. Mark

Thank you and yes it works..lol

According to the guide, you really cannot "test" the map unless you export it to a real phone or the web?

That's correct. I've only been able to get the map tiles to show up in the Emulator once or twice using the debug key. And you can't do anything that involves the GPS, of course, since there isn't one in the Emulator. Keep in mind that these API Keys are for Android apps, so I don't think they'll work for a web site. I don't believe you need keys any longer for putting Google maps on a web site. Short answer is, if you compile your app and sign it with a release keystore, you should be able to get map tiles to show up in the emulator or on a real device. Mark

Thank you Mark. On a off topic real quick, in your guide how did u get the tabs on the bottom on of your screen shot?

That's a Tabbed Menu Layout. You can find that in your control panel. You can either configure the app to have a Home Screen, or a Tabbed Menu Layout. Mark