Need Flash Genius to create GIS 3D Planet!!!

Intro:

This is a very unique project. Although the coder for the project will not need to understand the whole theory and application of Geographic Information systems (GIS), it certainly may help! Also, our site is currently running from a Linux [url removed, login to view] server. The webpage is PHP based.

Goal:

Create an interactive sphere in Flash. The sphere, which will be a simple rendition of planet earth, will have an integrated database. The loading phase and end-user functionality MUST be taken into full consideration during the design process: If the sphere takes a while (several plus seconds) to load, that is okay as long as the loading time can compensate for a smooth interface.

Here is a math-driven, but low-functionality, Java example: [url removed, login to view]

Here is a high-functionality Java Example: [url removed, login to view]

Here is a simple Flash Example- click on option 3: [url removed, login to view]

Details:

1. Planet earth must be a professionally designed: A smooth solid sphere with “fresh” movement and simple (crisp layout). If possible, a “slow (real-time) rotating” sphere. Because the sphere will be the default view for our new website, the sphere MUST load in a SCALABLE window in the browser. It MUST be able to expand/contract with the browser at approximately 75% width/height of the browser window.

a. The surface of the sphere must be mapped with a very clear (vector defined) outline of the continents. Check this site for a simple example: [url removed, login to view] There are no rivers, landmarks, or natural topography required for the project. There must, however, be delineated political borders: i.e. USA (California, Arizona, etc.), Mexico, etc. The oceans and bodies of water must be filled with a light blue color.

b. The second important mapping feature will be a grid overlay. The coder must map a grid onto the sphere. Because this sphere MUST be an accurate representation of the world, in terms of continents, islands, borders, etc., the grid MUST be delineated in accordance with ‘real-world’ criteria. For that reason, the grid will be made of 10X10km squares (100km square area) CONSISTENTLY. Bodies of water will NOT have a VISIBLE grid overlay.

2. The planet must be manipulated in ‘real-time’ with a mouse and/or keyboard. The user will be able to execute the following functions with his/her mouse:

a. HOLD left-click (single point): Zoom in*

b. HOLD right-click (single point): Zoom out*

c. Double left-click (single point): auto-Zoom in*

d. Move mouse in North, East, South, and West Directions: Sphere turns or shifts spherical planes. Check this website out, although the image is in 2D, to better understand: [url removed, login to view]

*If the user has a wheel mouse…than the wheel can also be substituted for zooming in/out. Also--VERY IMPORTANT--the user, when using the zoom function, will be able to reach a MAXIMUM zoom-display at the 10X10km square (100km square area) block. The zoom-function, keep in mind, must be a smooth process (i.e. Google earth) and NOT framed-zoom (i.e. Google local).

3. The Map, obviously, has to be constructed in a controlled geometric/mathematic environment.

a. The 10X10km square blocks must be ‘case-functional.’ What I mean, is that each one of those blocks will maintain a blank place-holder for a PNG image that can be uploaded by the end-user or site admin. The blocks must also be able to register the number of visitor left clicks, right clicks, etc.

b. A database with longitude/latitude registers (for future reference and globe design) should be created. The purpose behind this database is to generate an accurate coordinate system. When the end-user inputs his/her address in an input box outside the Flash program; the ‘street address’ is transmitted to a free open-source database that converts that information to longitude / latitude coordinates; those coordinates are than used by the plug-in to zoom onto that location for the end-user.

b. There MUST also be an additional feature for the map grid: Left-clicking on the grid blocks (at any level of zoom) would reveal a balloon pop-up with options to add however many grid blocks into a shopping cart. Our hosting company already offers a shopping cart application. There are, however, much better (free) open-source carts available--not mention paid third-party solutions--so this particular feature will have to be discussed with the coder some more.

Conclusion:

Each one of those square blocks will eventually be filled with a low-resolution PNG image file. Again, loading time is of the essence. The Flash designer will have to develop and implement a plan on how to ‘modularize’ the flash file and load the PNG images ‘dynamically.’ The planet will eventually be filled-up with the faces of school children. This article may also point you in the direction I’m coming from: [url removed, login to view]

This is a style-specific project and I expect to be in contact with the coder throughout the design process. I am confident that this website will be frequented by quite a bit of people once it goes online and I would be more than happy to put the coder’s contact info on our ABOUT page or possibly in the corner of the window where the sphere will rest. A lot of the required information, code, maps, etc. are already available online and should thus keep costs LOW. All in all, this is an opportunity to be part of a creative process: A first-of-a-kind LARGE 3-dimensional image of the world that can be manipulated in a browser on a website.

Please leave back as much a detailed a response as possible. If you are ‘unsure’ if you can design such a system, please let me know. I am appreciative of the skill a coder can render and, if the website proves a success, will reward with a generous bonus. Also if the project is well executed, it will lead to more work in the very near future. Thanks!

Regards,

Traynis

Additional Agreement:

1. I would like to see a breakdown of the costs per job-specific task for this project. If there are some areas that remain unclear, just give me a price range.

2. This project needs to be completed ASAP: Take your time but jump on it headstrong.

3. A demonstration is required before project completion.

4. Complete and fully-functional working program(s) in executable form as well as complete source code of all work done.

5. Deliverables must be in ready-to-run condition, as follows (depending on the nature of the deliverables):

a. For web sites or other server-side deliverables intended to only ever exist in one place in the Buyer's environment--Deliverables must be installed by the Seller in ready-to-run condition in the Buyer's environment.

b. For all others including desktop software or software the buyer intends to distribute: A software installation package that will install the software in ready-to-run condition on the platform(s) specified in this bid request.

6. All deliverables will be considered "work made for hire" under U.S. Copyright law. Buyer will receive exclusive and complete copyrights to all work purchased. (No GPL, GNU, 3rd party components, etc. unless all copyright ramifications are explained AND AGREED TO by the buyer on the site per the coder's Seller Legal Agreement).

Adobe Flash Graphic Design JavaScript Script Install

Project ID: #48855

About the project