Creating Google Maps v3 marker list from PHP array

Question

I have a PHP array in the form below, I am trying to plot these on a Google Map (v3) in my website, but wondered the best way to create the code for the markers. An example of some working code is below that I have tested hardcoded.

I could create a loop that made the list, however I would have to check to remove the last comma otherwise the Javascript would be invalid and feel this is rather hacky and prob not the best way to do it, I was thinking instead there would be something I am overlooking that will allow me to pass in an array and tell it what keys to use to create the Javascript, all properly formatted?

Example Array

Hard coded Javascript code for Google Maps - uses address1, lat and lng from array. In future might want to add more

var properties = [
        ['1 Anystreet', 51.5245029, -0.1120882],
        ['2 Anystreet', 51.5189016, -0.1027654],
        ['45 Any Road', 51.5189016, -0.1027654]
    ];

No I guess it's fine. I use the approach you described (removing last comma) — ifaour
– ifaour, Commented May 1, 2011 at 13:52

Matt · Accepted Answer · 2011-05-01 15:27:44Z

1

You can manipulate your PHP array to mimic what the Google Maps API requires:

 Array ( 
     [0] => Array (
         [address1] => 1 Anystreet London
         [lat] => 51.5245029 
         [lng] => -0.1120882 
     )
     [1] => ...
 )

To make it JavaScript readable just echo it json encoded:

<script type="text/javascript">
    var locations = <?php echo json_encode($locations_array); ?>;
</script>

This avoids the need for any character escaping, removing trailing commas, inserting square brackets etc.

This has the added advantage of keeping your data keyed too so you can access your data as follows using JavaScript:

for(i in locations)
{
    var address1 = locations[i].address1;
    var lat = locations[i].lat;
    var lng = locations[i].lng;

    // use address1, lat, lng however you like
}

answered May 1, 2011 at 15:27

Matt

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1 Comment

bateman_ap Over a year ago

Makes sense, however how do I manipulate the PHP array, the thing I really want to get rid of to json_encode it is the [description] field. However I don't want to completely destroy it as I will use it elsewhere.

hsz · Accepted Answer · 2011-05-01 19:10:39Z

0

I always use the following solution and it allways worked. ;)

In view:

<script type="text/javascript">

var properties = [
    <?php
    $count = count($data);
    for ( $i = 1; i <= count; ++$i ) {
        $lat = str_replace(',', '.', $data['lat']);
        $lng = str_replace(',', '.', $data['lng']);
        echo '["' . $data['address1'] . '", ' . $lat . ',' . $lng . ']';

        if ( $i < $count ) {
            echo ',';
        }
    }
    ?>
];

</script>

edited May 1, 2011 at 19:10

answered May 1, 2011 at 15:14

hsz

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5 Comments

Matt Over a year ago

You'll run into trouble if your address ever contains apostrophes, see my answer.

MacMac Over a year ago

Use json_encode instead, never make a JSON string manually.

Matt Over a year ago

hsz, you've got a closing ) missing from your str_replace(',', '.', $data['lat'] lines. Also, you've not addressed the problem of apostrophes ('); every ' needs escaping with a backslash i.e. \' but like myself and lolwut have said, just use json_encode and all these problems are sorted for you

hsz Over a year ago

@Matt - thanks for the comment - I've edited my answer. However I used " instead of ' so nothing has to be escaped.

Matt Over a year ago

@hsz - No, " will still need escaping: \".

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