This document provides an overview of using the Google Maps SDK for iOS applications built with Swift. It discusses features of the Google Maps SDK compared to MapKit, steps to integrate the Google Maps SDK such as downloading, linking frameworks and libraries, creating an API key, and sample code to get started. Demo code is provided on GitHub to help bootstrap a Swift project using the Google Maps SDK.
2. About me
Arun Nagarajan (@entaq)
Currently
Founding Engineer, funded stealth startup in NYC
We are hiring! Email us at jobs@isapp.com
Previously
2 yrs at Google - Tech Lead, Developer Platform
9 yrs at Verivo Software (Boston) - VP of Architecture
3. Lets get started
● MapKit started using Apple
Maps in fall of 2012
● Google Maps SDK for iOS came
out in Dec 2012
4.
5. But seriously...
● Apple Maps and MapKit has come a long
way
● We use it in our app and its very powerful!
6. Google Maps SDK features
● SDKs are easier to update than underlying
OS
● Couple of nice touches like tap and drag for
zoom
● Subjective look and feel might be better
● Better if you are building an Android app as
well
8. Invoking Google Maps App (more)
● Search is also supported
● Be able to come “back” to your app
9. Steps to get Google Maps SDK
1. Download latest SDK (version 1.9.2, 23 mb)
2. Drag in Google Maps Framework
3. Find/Drag in Google Maps Resource Bundle
4. Add -ObjC linker flags
14. Get an iOS Google Maps Key
1. https://console.developers.google.com/
2. Create a new project (or use existing)
3. Enable “Google Maps for iOS” under APIs
4. Create new Public Key for iOS under
Credentials
5. Paste in your Bundle ID
6. Get key!
16. Other factors
● Google Maps SDK adds bit over 4 MB to your
app
● Licensing can be tricky - seems like free for
non-commercial apps. Reading required -
https://developers.google.com/maps/licensing
17. Recap
● MapKit is awesome
● But Google Maps SDK for iOS provides a nice
option
● Super easy to get started with Swift
● Get starter code here
github.com/entaq/GoogleMapsSwiftBootstrap
developers.google.com/maps/documentation/ios