Is there a way to subclass the MKAnnotationView used for the MKUserLocation blue dot?

Question

I've created a custom annotation view by subclassing MKAnnotationView. This class also creates a custom callout (info pop-up 'bubble') view which is skinned to match my app.

I also want to be able to reskin the callout bubble for the user location dot, but it seems as though the only control I have over that view is whether it is overridden completely or not, by using the following inside the mapView:viewForAnnotation: method:

if(annotation == self.mapView.userLocation)
{
    return nil;
}

But what I really want to do is find out what annotation view MapKit is using for the user location blue dot, and then subclass it so I can skin its callout bubble... Or is there another way? Or just no way at all?

Answer 1

You can use

if ([annotation isKindOfClass:[MKUserLocation class]]) { // or if(annotation == self.mapView.userLocation)
   MKAnnotationView * annotationView = [mapView dequeueReusableAnnotationViewWithIdentifier:@"MyLocation"];
   if (annotationView == nil) {
      annotationView = [[[MKAnnotationView alloc] initWithAnnotation:annotation reuseIdentifier:@"MyLocation"] autorelease];
         annotationView.canShowCallout = NO;
         annotationView.image = [UIImage imageNamedWithBrand:@"MyLocationPin.png"];
      } else {
         annotationView.annotation = annotation;
      }
   return annotationView;
}

Answer 2

I am not sure this will help you, but you can use the default user location annotation view, then steal the view in mapView:didSelectAnnotationView::

- (void)mapView:(MKMapView *)mapView didSelectAnnotationView:(MKAnnotationView *)view
{
    if (view == [mapView viewForAnnotation:mapView.userLocation]) {
        // do what you want to 'view'
        // ...
    }
    // ...
}

I have used this trick to change the callout title and subtitle, and add an image using leftCalloutAccessoryView. However, I haven't tried totally replacing the callout, so I don't know if it's possible.

Answer 3

I think it is not possible directly, but you can override some methods in runtime with this: http://theocacao.com/document.page/266