Map Markers

Map Markers is a Flutter application that allows users to explore locations on a map, search for places, save their favorite spots, and view detailed information about the app.

Features

• Interactive Map: Utilizes Google Maps to display geographical locations.
• Location Search: Search for specific places using an integrated search functionality powered by the LocationIQ API.
• Tap to Mark: Tap on any location on the map to get its address and temporarily mark it.
• Favorite Places: Save your preferred locations to a favorites list for quick access.
• Persistent Storage: Favorite places are stored locally using shared_preferences and persist across app sessions.
• Current Location: Easily jump to your current geographical position on the map.
• Location Permissions: Handles location service checks and permission requests.
• App Information: A dedicated screen providing details about the application and its developer.

Technologies Used

• Flutter & Dart: The core framework for building the cross-platform application.
• Google Maps Flutter: Integration for interactive maps.
• Geolocator: For accessing device location and handling permissions.
• Shared Preferences: For local data storage of favorite places.
• HTTP: For making API requests to LocationIQ.
• LocationIQ API: Used for place search and reverse geocoding (API key included in map_screen.dart).

Project Structure

The core application logic resides in the lib/ directory:

• main.dart: The entry point of the application, setting up the MainScreen.
• models/place.dart: Defines the Place data model.
• screens/: Contains the UI for different parts of the app:
  • favorite_screen.dart: Displays the list of favorited places.
  • info_screen.dart: Shows information about the application.
  • main_screen.dart: Manages the tab-based navigation (Map, Favorites, About).
  • map_screen.dart: Implements the map view, search, marker handling, and location services.
• services/: Contains services for data handling and location:
  • favorites_storage.dart: Handles saving and loading favorite places.
  • lacation.dart: Provides utilities for getting current location and permission handling.
• utils/debouncer.dart: A utility class for debouncing search input.

Getting Started

To get a local copy up and running, follow these simple steps.

Prerequisites

• Flutter SDK installed (version compatible with this project).
• A physical device or emulator to run the app.

Installation

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/your_username/map-markers.git
   cd map-markers

2. Install Flutter dependencies:

   flutter pub get

3. Google Maps API Key (Android/iOS):
   • You will need to set up a Google Maps API key for Android and iOS. Follow the official google_maps_flutter plugin instructions: https://pub.dev/packages/google_maps_flutter
   • For Android, add your API key to android/app/src/main/AndroidManifest.xml:

     <meta-data android:name="com.google.android.geo.API_KEY" android:value="YOUR_GOOGLE_MAPS_API_KEY"/>

   • For iOS, add your API key to ios/Runner/AppDelegate.swift:

     import GoogleMaps
     // ... inside application:didFinishLaunchingWithOptions:
     GMSServices.provideAPIKey("YOUR_GOOGLE_MAPS_API_KEY")

4. LocationIQ API Key:
   • This project uses a hardcoded LocationIQ API key (pk.c6f213784e1d18ec14a5c858eb11c5e5) in lib/screens/map_screen.dart. For production environments, it is recommended to manage API keys more securely (e.g., environment variables, backend services).

Running the Application

Connect a device or start an emulator and run:

flutter run

Usage

• Map Tab: View the map, search for places using the search bar, tap on the map to mark a location, and use the floating action button to go to your current location.
• Favorites Tab: See a list of all your saved favorite places. Tap on a favorite to jump to its location on the map, or swipe left to delete it.
• About Tab: Access information about the application.

Screen Shots