Google Maps is a popular web tool that many people use view highway routes and get directions. However, there are additional features in Maps that allow you to modify maps with custom details, add images, and create links to relevent pages. By logging in to your Google account, you can save these maps and share them with others.
Key Features
- Ability to customize maps by plotting points and adding images
- Multiple modes including standard view, satellite, terrain, and weather
- Certain locations support street level views (Streetview).
Uses for Google Maps
- Use a customized maps to label and outline points of interests and add clarity to discussions such as history, geography, and other topics.
- Plot the life of a historical figure through maps such as where they lived, worked, and traveled.
- Use streetview to view examples of building architecture and design or to explore different cities.
- View land use patterns and changing landscapes using the satellite view. Google Earth also provides the ability to view historical satellite images.
Also Google Maps can be exported as a KML file for use in Google Earth. This can be useful for certain GIS classes.
The following video from Google highlights the main features of cusotmizing Google Maps.
References
Taffe, Susan M. "Using Google Maps in University Classrooms: Engaging Students with Faculty Research through Mapping." <http://www.cte.cornell.edu/tap/forms/taffe_handout.pdf>