Essay on Digital Mapping-Earth Science – Geography
Deliverables (see bottom of this document):
· A map, created using Google Maps (http://maps.google.com), which shows at least 5 features of your choice, 1 route and, 1 polygons.
· A paragraph that summarizes the features that you have created or added or the edits you have made to existing features in Google Maps.
Directions: How to Use Google Maps
1. Study the online Google Map making tutorial and begin thinking about the layout and design of your own map. I have posted a separate VoiceThread primer on creating custom Google Maps. There is also no shortage of similar tutorials that you might find helpful. I’m including a few that I’ve come across:
Google MapsOverview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQUaQpoF8xE
Creating a custom map: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77zo7Nnp_7M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IX6iQ32lsHg
2. Create your own Google Map. Log into your independent Google account and click on “My Maps” at the top of the screen. You should then see a blank map of the entire United States. Click on “My Places” and then click on “Create Map.” You will then enter the title and description of your map and select the privacy setting for the map you are creating.
3. Zoom into the area(s) where you are plotting features (you might choose campus, where you live, where you grew up, a place you’ve visited, or some place you’re interested in exploring). Google Maps allows you to add metadata that can include text, photos, web sites, and even videos to be associated with your geographic features. You must add descriptive text to each feature.
Deliverables: In order to receive full credit, you will need to submit (1) the answers to the following questions and (2) a screenshot of the Google Map you created, and (3) a functional link to the Google map you created.
1. Paste a link to your map here:
2. Paste a screenshot of your map here:
3. In a paragraph, explain the map you created. What location and scale did you choose? What features did you map for and how did you represent them (symbols, shapes and colors)? What information elements or media did you use to supplement the features of your map? What additional information, metadata, or media elements would you add to this map project if more time or funding was available to expand it?
