Using Webi Extension Points to Create Google Maps Visualizations

As a long time Webi user, and provider of maps integrations, I have always wished there were a proper SDK for integrating custom visualizations in Webi. My first exploration was through Xcelsius which I soon hope to release as a freeware component called “SAP Dashboard Viewer.”

Now, I am thrilled that I can offer to the BusinessObjects ecosystem a new premium extension for Webi.

Full Disclosure

My goal is to continue pushing extension points for Webi and show designers / developers what is possible. Why? The more users who express interested and become reliant custom extensions, the better the SDK will get. The beauty of Webi Extension Points is that you only need JavaScript development skills and some patience.

This particular CMaps Analytics solution is not freeware, and for a good reason. This extension includes a supported Google Maps license which is required for any Google Maps integration, our premium maps JavaScript API and cloud services, with support for the extension.

My Approach

With that said, I had two goals to consider when creating a maps extension for Webi:

1. Ensure that someone with skills to create a Webi report, could just as easily enable a map.

2. Provide full support for all of the map visualizations offered through CMaps Analytics API.. We allude to Google Maps because it provides the base layers, but the Javascript API that powers this map is actually CMaps Analytics JS API, which provides hundreds of extra functions needed for Business Apps and analytics.

Here is another article I posted on Linked-In that highlights some of the interesting business cases

Here is the process for building a simple map in BI4 SP04 for the every day Webi Designer.

What’s Next

In the next couple of weeks, we are pulling together all all of the lessons learned developing custom extensions. Webi Extension points is a great step forward but it is not perfect, so my hope is that as customer’s reliance grow on this technology we can see new exciting ways for interacting with Webi.

Want to get the Extension

We do have the extension available as a test drive for BI4.1, though you will need to check for service pack availability. I would love to hear your feedback first hand so don’t hesitate to contact me direct. CMaps Analytics for Webi