Mapping Tools for Firefox

All sorts of folks (including us GIS/mapping folks) use the Mozilla Firefox web browser. Here are a list of GIS/mapping-related extensions, plugins, and other resources available for Firefox.

• Mapdex Search Plugin
• This search plugin was recently developed and announced by Jeremy at the Mapdex Blog.
• I have been testing it out the last couple of days and it works great. Search across "A global index of 1,805 servers, serving 32,612 map services, containing over 400,000 GIS Layers, covering more than 4,000,000 columns!" Great stuff.


• MapIt!
• This extension, developed by Jason Heddings, has been my favorite mapping/driving directions extension for a while now.
• Selected text can be mapped using any of the following web maps: GlobeXplorer, Google Maps, MapQuest, MapsOnUs, TerraServer, and Yahoo! (the old Yahoo! Map).
• Driving directions can also be generated as MapIt! allows users to store one home address.
• For those of you who upgraded Firefox to 1.5, you can still install this (and other) older extension by following these simple instructions.


• GDirections
• This extension, developed by Jeffrey Palm, finds driving "directions on Google Maps based on your selected text and one of various home addresses."
• The key feature for this extension is the ability to store and manage numerous home addresses.


• The MutantMaps Firefox Toolbar
• Initially announced here, this toolbar allows "navigation between all of the popular mapping sites while preserving your longitude, latitude and zoom levels." Google Maps, MSN Virtual Earth, MultiMap, TerraServer and 192.com are supported.
• There is even word that this toolbar will preserve user locations on the mashups as well.


• Greasemonkey
• Versatile extension allowing users to manipulate web pages using "user scripts".
• Here are the mapping Greasemonkey user scripts that I am aware of:
• MyLocations for Google Maps
• Gmap Extras!
• HOW-TO: Make your own annotated multimedia Google map (engadget)
• UPS Package Tracking with Google Maps
• Greasemap
• Monkeying with Planet Geospatial (import cartography)
  * Script allows users to control the feeds visible on the Planet Geospatial site. This is a great script...just don't filter the librarian...


• Streetmap
• Developed by Dave Nolan, this extension provides a "simple UK streetmap search from context menu."


• Select Search
• This extension, developed by Girish Gangadharan, is not primarily a mapping extension, but it does include an advanced context menu category called 'Map it' which currently includes Google Maps and Yahoo! Maps. He is also a friend of mine, so I really want to let folks know about his new extension.