LIMBs for Google Maps

What are LIMBs

LIMBs are Labels In the Map Border.

For years they have been used on paper maps to label roads as they leave the map. They often indicate which town or city the road leads to.

Interactive LIMBs

Maps are no longer static. Electronic maps don't need to show the same information that was provided on the edge of a paper map.

Instead LIMBs can allow you to see and interact with features that are off the map.

This JavaScript library creates LIMBs on Google Maps to do just that.

Getting Started

If you already have a Google Map that contains a Marker then you are one line of code away from tracking the marker in the map border.

First import the script:

<script type="text/javascript" src="gmap-limbs-min.js"></script>

Then add this line of JavaScript to create the LIMB:

var myLimb = new lucid.maps.limbs.Limb( myMarker );

You will need to ensure there is space around the edge of the map to display the LIMBs. The easiest way to achieve this is by adding a margin to the map element in your CSS.

#map { margin: 20px; ... }
The margin size depends on the size of your icon and how much you want the LIMB to overlap the map.

Examples

1: Return to Home

A single LIMB tracks the home location in the map border. After panning away from the home location you can quickly return home by clicking the LIMB. View Example

2: Navigate Between Locations

Several clusters of markers are displayed on the map. You can navigate to each location by clicking on the marker. When the markers fall off the map you can click the LIMB to move directly to the distant locations. View Example

3: Google Places

The Google Places service is used to find places near to the centre of the map. The places are marked with icons and LIMBs are created to allow you to navigate between places that are off the map. View Example

Advanced: MapNav

This mobile webapp demonstrates how LIMBs can be used to assist navigation when screen space is very limited. The near-to-here feature (triggered by the buttons on the top-right of the toolbar) uses LIMBs to track places when they fall off the edge of the map. View Example