From: Ehsanul Hoque <ehsanul_g3@...>
Date: 2009-09-15T15:13:03+09:00
Subject: Re: Ruby GUI GIS Application

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> However=2C I need to make a GUI where I can make a map window and import
> layers like roads and political boundaries. The window also needs to
> pan and zoom in/out and maybe interface with PostGIS. Some of my files
> will be ShapeFiles and I need to place markers on the map and color them
> by value.
>=20
> Can Ruby do this and is there a recommended tool-kit?

Your GUI application seems appropriate for something like WebKit=2C
assuming you'll be working with the Google Maps API. In that case=2C you
could look into Titanium=2C which allows Ruby or Python to be used:

http://www.appcelerator.com/products/titanium-desktop/



For a nice ruby framework (built on top of Titanium in fact)=2C take a look=
 at Bowline:

http://leadthinking.com/191-bowline-a-ruby-gui-framework

http://github.com/maccman/bowline



If you want to go the minimal route instead=2C there are also plain ruby
bindings for the gtk+ port of webkit=2C if that's preferable:
http://github.com/danlucraft/rbwebkitgtk/blob/master/sample/ruby-webkit-bro=
wser.rb


Of course=2C if you don't need webkit=2C there are a few more options. The =
ruby bindings for gtk2 and qt should get you far:

http://techbase.kde.org/Development/Languages/Ruby

http://ruby-gnome2.sourceforge.jp/


I personally really like Shoes=2C and LimeLight looks promising. But these =
frameworks aren't quite mature yet=2C and may not be appropriate for the ty=
pe of application you want to make. And Shoes is in temporary disarray as t=
he maintainer (_why the lucky stiff) mysteriously disappeared=2C but the co=
mmunity has been picking it up rather well.
http://limelight.8thlight.com/main/sparkle
http://shoes.heroku.com/


- Ehsan

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