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OzCamps site went live at the end of August 2008. There are a number of different technologies being used. The maps are created using Google Maps. The information is stored on a MySQL database using PHP (programming language) scripting. Then I use PHP to convert this information into an XML format so that I can use JavaScript and Google Maps to create the map as JavaScript can't access the MySQL database by itself. For those of you interested in creating something similar here is the Basic XML tutorial by Mike Williams which also includes a basic example upon which the OzCamps map is based.

The printable pages use Google Static Maps which creates an image (.jpg in this case) of the map based on parameters which are passed onto it. This is limited to 1,000 maps per user per day which may mean that, down the track, you mightn't be able to print out all the sites for every state in a day (thought currently, with 93 sites entered that would only equate to 193 maps if all sites printed out so there is plenty of headroom left).

The website itself is hosted by Cove which I think offer the best value for money/features that you will find in Australia. I use Joomla, which can be installed with a couple of clicks, for the basic website layout and articles. For anybody wanting to setup their own website I highly recommend Joomla as it can be quite powerful but easy to use. You can use it for a basic website through to hosting forums etc.

I also use Google Analytics to collect information on how many people are accessing the site and where they are from etc.

Anyway I just thought I would share with you how the wizardy is done. My background is not in Information Technology (I'm a podiatrist ) so I encourage anyone who is keen to try web design - give it a go!

Cheers

Brett Kinross