It’s been a busy week on the mapping front. Here are three ways to use maps, each with a twist. #

The ASU Webdevil includes a map (using Atlas) of rental rates in the area topping $800/month. Web editor Tiffany Tcheng mentioned that the reporter gathered additional information for the map that wasn’t in the original story. That’s Web thinking for you. #

The NGU Skyliner uses a map to showcase downtown Greenville, S.C. eating establishments. The map, built using Mapbuilder, includes photos, menu, and directions from the school in the popups. Another example of Web thinking. #

The Northern Star uses an old skool image map to show violations on fraternity row in a special report. The thing that impressed me about this map was the way they provided original source material gained via FOI requests. If you click on one of the Greek houses that’s highlighted, you are taken to a page with PDFs of complaints filed against each fraternity. Excellent Web thinking. #

If I had one suggestion for the first two maps, it would be to place the map higher in the presentation, or even add a link or graphic that links to the map at the top of the page. Most readers won’t scroll to the bottom of a story if they don’t know the map is there. Play up your unique Web content. Be proud of it. It’s good work, and very helpful for your online readers. And think of it this way: You wouldn’t put a photograph at the end of a story. Why bury the graphic of the map? #

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