Google Maps has several APIs developers can use. One is limited mainly by their imagination when using the Maps JavaScript API, but there is a sizable learning curve involved. There are more specific use APIs as well. Using the APIs directly entails developing your own plugin. The advantage is it’ll do exactly what you want and nothing more, nothing less. Of course the disadvantage is you have to code it yourself.
There are tons of Google Maps plugins. Try a few out, they’re all free. A well written plugin that offers plenty of hooks would be extensible so that you can cleanly customize how it works. If nothing else, plugins can offer guidance and examples while you develop your own code.
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