Hello Fellow BT-ers! After seeing many requests for a simple solution to convert a spreadsheet to a map data file, I decided to create one from scratch. With this tool you can take a simple spreadsheet, export it to a CSV file, and create a mad data file that can be included in your build, or hosted remotely. If you have projects with a lot of map points, this can potentially save you a ton of time. I'm offering it as "donationware", meaning if you think it will work for you, pay what you think is fair. If you don't think you can pay for it, just PM me and explain your concerns. I'm a fair person, and I'm not trying to leech off my fellow developers. Just trying to account for my time spent away from app creation (my real passion). You can read all about the tool, and see screenshots at the following address: http://idevdepot.com/?p=121 Let me know what you think. If you find any bugs, let me know and I'll work them out as soon as possible. Thanks for looking! Hope it helps some folks around here! -Stobe

Wow! That looks amazing, incredibly useful, and just plain cool! I know there are a number of people in the forum who will jump all over this. Thanks for taking the time to create it...I see myself using it in the very near future! Way to go, @Stobe! Mark

Nice tool. Question, are you using a public folder for the file in Dropbox? Fred

The map file? Or the program itself?

The map file

I have used several methods. Public dropbox, copy/paste into BT_Config, and remote host on a webserver.

Thanks, I was primarly interested in Dropbox thought you were using a non-public folder. Thanks for the info. I'll post a link to your tool in my Buzztouch & Google maps guide. Fred

Applause!!!!

David's Applause makes it all worth while!

Also for anyone willing to try this tool, I've had success creating CSV files (without spreadsheet program) with zeemaps.com You have to signup for a free account, then you can export any map you create in CSV format. I used the address field (after creating the map markers, click on the title to see the address field) to save my "subtitle" entries. With a few seconds of column manipulation in excel, the file was ready for my tool.

This utility looks very interesting. Is there anyway to set the pin color on the map using this utility? I have an app with a lot of map locations and I used a green pin where you should start and a red pin where you stop.

I can add that in the next revision. I left it out initially since BT only has 3 preset colors, and wasn't sure how many people used them. I can add a 5th column that if present will add the needed JSON for the pin color. Of course, lifetime updates will be available to anyone who "purchases" the tool.

Maybe this utility could help with this SORRY if it is off topic, but do you know if there is a way using map data to "draw" a line between to points and have it follow the roads? Kind of like what you get when selecting driving directions except that the path on the map is always visible.

Sorry, I have no idea about that.

wow that is so cool this is only for windows?

Yes, but I tested it in Parallels and it works fine. If you don't have windows, you can send me the CSV and I'll send you back the config.

ok

Excellent work, Stobe! Just what I needed! THANKS! A couple of questions though: 1. How do one get the program? I'd be pleased to donate for your effort! Will you send it to those who donate? 2. Is it possible to add a field for a URL ? I could use that option to allow the user to tap on a location point and be directed to a website for more info. GREAT WORK! Kind regards, Kristian, Copenhagen, Denmark

http://idevdepot.com/?p=121 At the bottom of the above page is a donation link. You get a download URL after donation. As far as adding URLs, I believe that would require the itemID from your BuzzTouch project (that's associated with your custom URL). If someone can correct me on this, and if someone knows a way to add a direct URL to the JSON, then I can certainly add it in.

@stobe & kristian_n try adding another field with another nested json: "loadScreenObject": { "itemNickname": "Your Nickname", "itemId": "93203", "itemType": "BT_screen_webView", "navBarTitleText": "My Bar Title", "listRowSeparatorColor": "#000000", "listDescriptionFontColor": "#777777", "dataURL": "http://www.mydomain.com" }

hmmmm.... interesting. I suppose with another 6 variables (columns) in a spreadsheet could fully feed that information to my program. We could probably "spoof" the nickname, and autogenerate the itemID as before. And I'm not sure if we'd need the two colors defined? So I could probably generate the code needed from just a URL and navBarTitle. Might have to test this out to see if the nesting works. Thanks mysps

sorry.. that was my project lol.. no colors necessary, however i needed it :) good luck with it

Just tested it, and it works great! I found a couple of small bugs in my first build, so I'm fixing those and I'll have this new option in today! The tool will now have a page for creating configs without any URLs (with the driving direction option), and a page for creating configs with URLs (with no driving directions, since you can only have one or the other). Thanks again!

Awesome!! btw, I'm located south of Richmond, VA :) however, at the moment in located in Spain. also, why limit your project? you can do more than maps i think right?! i'll be grabbing your tool soon! great work

@Stobe: We'll get a link to this added to the How To's screen. If you object to this, let us know and we'll remove it. I'm thinking it's OK to publicize your very cool tool ;-) It won't be too long before our control panels allow us to list plugins we've worked out so we can all begin sharing screen creations. Stoked for this because it should help us all create more compelling apps with less effort.

@David : By all means, list it anywhere you want :) @mysps: I've got another tool on the way! Similar concept, but completely different type of screen. Should help a lot of people.