Tech: Chart plotting with Google Maps

Last year I wrote this simple chart plotting pool. While there are many chart plotting apps, I wanted to see what could be implemented entirely in Javascript using the Google Maps API (which means all you need is a web browser and it runs on any operating system).  I've now added help in the form of hover tips so it's ready to share.

Below is a screenshot of the tool showing the route across Gulf St Vincent from North Haven to Port Vincent, South Australia - almost a straight shot except for avoiding the Orontes Bank.

The tool has 6 areas:

1. Top left are the buttons. The first button locks the chart to prevent further editing. The second button generates a link for sharing, with parameters encoded in the URL. For example, this is the link for the above chart. The next 2 buttons are for undo all and undo previous respectively.
2. Immediately below the buttons is the message box, which instructs you what to do.
3. Below that are the controls. Hover over any label to invoke help for that control.
4. Next is the area for waypoints, and distances and bearings between waypoints.
5. Bottom left is the total distance and bearing from start to finish.
6. Right is an embedded Google Map. Simply pan and scroll to your area of interest.

To use the tool simply click on the map or enter waypoints in the empty input box in the Waypoints area.

Some useful features:

• Setting the bearing type to magnetic and entering a magnetic variation produces compass bearings instead of true bearings. For example, if the magnetic variation were set to +8° (i.e., magnetic north is 8° east of true north), the bearing for the first leg would be 267°M (rather than 275°).
• Setting the reference bearing to the wind direction computes bearings relative to the wind. A positive number means the wind is to port, and negative is to starboard. For example, above I've set the reference as NW, which means that the wind is 40° to the starboard for the first leg.
• Setting a speed computes travel times. For example, above I've set the speed to 7 knots. Clicking on any point on the route, or the end point, computes the time to reach that point. The dialog box above shows the total travel time is 4 hours 23 minutes.

I've tested the following browsers and operating systems: Chrome (latest version) and Internet Explorer 9 on Windows 7 and Chrome (latest version) and Safari 6 on MacOS 10.8.

Here is another route showing my last trip to Kangaroo Island.

Give it go and let me know what you think.

OVER.