DataBase-Less Dynamic Content Websites
A while ago I wanted to develop an entire dynamic website based off xml files. Nothing against databases but sometimes they just seem too cumbersome for static content. I decided that using a directory structure would be smart since it usually maps against my websites architecture and easily navigate it with some IO classes.
Jumping at the chance to purchase a few RV park domains on the cheap I put up a couple test sites. Figuring that RV parks for the most part don't really change and are basically static content, I figured it shouldn't be too hard to flesh them out with some content. Also proving to be a pretty efficient file structure since the state breaks down into Regions, Cities and then individual RV Parks.
Using Google maps extensively throughout the site was a no-brainer since I had little content to go on. Who doesn't love the Google maps anyway? Figured it would provide some nice eye candy for interested parties looking for RV park locations.
Regional Map for the Washington Peninsula Regional Map for Greater Portland Oregon
And then we move into the city level pages which doesn't seem to change too much, the parks relating to the city are sorted according to how close they are to the city center.
Seattle Washington
Portland Oregon
Finally the actual RV Park itself, since I had little data to go on and it seems very little data is usually to be had. I put in the GSmapSearchControl so you can easily find local stuff close to the RV park. The list of predefined searches is static, but at some point I'd like to integrate some sort of customization based on the city or region. This way you can just click to find the directions to Mt. Rainer if you're looking at an RV park nearby and want directions.
Seattle KOA RV Park
Portland Fairview RV Park
For some reason the GSmapSearchControl doesn't like to be nested within too many divs, not sure why. But in the Oregon park website I had all tables so I had no problem nesting there. The nested div site (Washington RV Parks) had this strange behavior where it would focus the map so that the center you defined was all the way in top left-hand corner after you cleared a search result. I got around this by putting the control in an iFrame, not the best solution, but it works well and isn't noticeable.
I finished off each site with a little search utility that uses Googles geo-coding service. This works really well as it just redirects to the map page with focus set and then all the RV Parks within 20 miles. I figured this would be a failsafe if I didn't predefine a user’s desired city.