want same satellite view as google map application

Achieving Google Maps Satellite View in Your Android Application

Learn how to integrate and display the satellite view from Google Maps within your Android application, providing users with rich, real-world imagery.

Integrating mapping functionalities into Android applications is a common requirement, and often, developers want to offer the same rich satellite imagery that users are accustomed to from the Google Maps application. This article will guide you through the process of setting up your Android project to display Google Maps, specifically focusing on how to enable and manage the satellite view type. We'll cover the necessary API key setup, manifest configurations, and code snippets to get you started.

Prerequisites and Setup

Before you can display any map, including the satellite view, you need to set up your Android project with the Google Maps SDK for Android. This involves obtaining an API key, adding the necessary dependencies, and configuring your AndroidManifest.xml file. Ensure you have a Google Cloud Platform project enabled with the Maps SDK for Android API.

1. Obtain a Google Maps API Key

Go to the Google Cloud Console, create a new project (or select an existing one), and enable the 'Maps SDK for Android' API. Then, create API credentials (an API key) and restrict it to your Android app using its package name and SHA-1 certificate fingerprint for security.

2. Add Google Play Services Dependency

In your app's build.gradle file, add the Google Play Services Maps dependency. This provides access to the GoogleMap object and its functionalities. Always use the latest stable version.

3. Configure AndroidManifest.xml

Add the API key as a <meta-data> tag within the <application> tag of your AndroidManifest.xml. Also, ensure you have the necessary permissions for internet access and location (if you plan to use it).

<manifest xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
    package="com.example.myapp">

    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.INTERNET" />
    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION" />

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

Example AndroidManifest.xml configuration for Google Maps

Implementing Satellite View

Once your project is set up, displaying the map and switching to satellite view is straightforward. You'll typically use a SupportMapFragment or MapView in your layout and then interact with the GoogleMap object in your activity or fragment. The key is to use the setMapType() method with GoogleMap.MAP_TYPE_SATELLITE.

<fragment xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
    xmlns:tools="http://schemas.android.com/tools"
    android:id="@+id/map"
    android:name="com.google.android.gms.maps.SupportMapFragment"
    android:layout_width="match_parent"
    android:layout_height="match_parent"
    tools:context=".MapsActivity" />

Layout XML for a SupportMapFragment

import androidx.appcompat.app.AppCompatActivity
import android.os.Bundle

import com.google.android.gms.maps.CameraUpdateFactory
import com.google.android.gms.maps.GoogleMap
import com.google.android.gms.maps.OnMapReadyCallback
import com.google.android.gms.maps.SupportMapFragment
import com.google.android.gms.maps.model.LatLng
import com.google.android.gms.maps.model.MarkerOptions

class MapsActivity : AppCompatActivity(), OnMapReadyCallback {

    private lateinit var googleMap: GoogleMap

    override fun onCreate(savedInstanceState: Bundle?) {
        super.onCreate(savedInstanceState)
        setContentView(R.layout.activity_maps)

        val mapFragment = supportFragmentManager
            .findFragmentById(R.id.map) as SupportMapFragment
        mapFragment.getMapAsync(this)
    }

    override fun onMapReady(map: GoogleMap) {
        googleMap = map

        // Set the map type to satellite
        googleMap.mapType = GoogleMap.MAP_TYPE_SATELLITE

        // Example: Move camera to a location (e.g., Sydney)
        val sydney = LatLng(-34.0, 151.0)
        googleMap.addMarker(MarkerOptions().position(sydney).title("Marker in Sydney"))
        googleMap.moveCamera(CameraUpdateFactory.newLatLngZoom(sydney, 10f))
    }
}

Kotlin code to initialize map and set satellite view

Understanding Map Types

The Google Maps SDK for Android offers several map types, each serving a different purpose. Understanding these types helps you choose the most appropriate one for your application's needs. The satellite view provides photographic imagery, often combined with street names and other labels for context.

flowchart TD
    A[Start Map Initialization] --> B{Is Map Ready?}
    B -- Yes --> C[Get GoogleMap Object]
    C --> D{Set Map Type}
    D -- Satellite --> E[googleMap.mapType = MAP_TYPE_SATELLITE]
    D -- Normal --> F[googleMap.mapType = MAP_TYPE_NORMAL]
    D -- Hybrid --> G[googleMap.mapType = MAP_TYPE_HYBRID]
    D -- Terrain --> H[googleMap.mapType = MAP_TYPE_TERRAIN]
    E --> I[Display Satellite View]
    F --> J[Display Normal View]
    G --> K[Display Hybrid View]
    H --> L[Display Terrain View]
    I & J & K & L --> M[Map Interaction Enabled]
    B -- No --> A

Flowchart of Google Map Type Selection

The MAP_TYPE_SATELLITE displays photographic satellite images. MAP_TYPE_HYBRID overlays major roads and labels on top of the satellite imagery, offering a blend of both. MAP_TYPE_NORMAL is the standard roadmap view, and MAP_TYPE_TERRAIN shows topographical data with colors and shading.