August 18, 2008 in mapping, software
For many graphic data projects, a spreadsheet is about the extent of a database that most people will need. Mapalist is a handy little site that quickly links Google spreadsheets to Google maps.
Using the Google spreadsheet makes it easy to update, as updated information is dynamically imported into the map. Oh, and it’s free.
via Lifehacker
March 6, 2008 in mapping, Workshop
Watch this space as stories are loaded into the map. (for workshop participants, go to the larger map and click on the “Edit” button on the right side of the page to add your story link)
April 25, 2007 in Learn, mapping, Websites
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?
April 9, 2007 in Learn, mapping, Websites
Chris Hokanson, multimedia editor at the Texas A&M Battalion, e-mails to showcase some map integration from Aggieland. They’ve done the crime map, but I find another example more interesting. Pictured above is the Atlas map showing locations for Aggie Musters (link to the map). That’s a lot of Aggies.
For a college media outlet, it suggests a heightened sense of the web readership, which is different from the campus readership for the paper. I wonder what the off-campus former-student traffic is for the Battalion? Given the rich Aggie tradition, I’d guess it’s pretty high.
But using tools like these to provide information for these readers is something we all should be considering. Is there a similar way to use maps or databases to provide information for your off-campus readers?
