title: Keep a Google Maps v3 Map hidden, show when needed
body: <p>Is there a way of preventing a Google Maps (JS, v3) map being displayed from the get-go? I'm doing some pre-processing and would like to show my 'Loading' spinner until everything is good to go (more eloquently put, hide the map -- e.g. the container <code>div</code> – until all pre-processing is complete – at which point, show the map). </p>
  
  <p>Hooking up the map's <code>idle</code> event doesn't help that much, since the map is already displayed when this event hits.</p>
  
  <p>I know that the container <code>div</code> gets inline-styled by GMaps after loading, my first idea was to clear out the <code>style</code> attribute (whilst listening to the <code>idle</code> event), but it would be interesting to see if there is a way of creating the map and not displaying it until all pre-processing is done.</p>
  
  <p>Maybe by using an argument to the <code>new google.maps.Map</code> constructor, or a <code>MapOption</code> ?</p>
  
  <p>Any thoughts on this?</p>
  
  <p>Thank you in advance!</p>