title: Google Maps v3 Custom Controls - Interact with control outside of map
body: <p>I am using a google maps custom control.  I would like a text link outside of the map (on another place on the page) to interact with the control.  Basically I want to be able to trigger a click on the custom control.  </p>
  
  <p>Does anyone have advice or assistance on how this can be accomplished?</p>
  
  <p>This also relates to <a href="https://stackoverflow.com/questions/7197462/google-maps-dragzoom-how-to-put-control-not-in-map">Using custom control with Google Maps KeyDragZoom - how to activate drag zoom?</a> , decided to make a question more general.</p>