Getting Started
- To create a Google Map, you must first have a Google account. Signing up is free and easy through the Google website.
- Once your Google account is active, go to the Google Maps page. You can get there using a Google search.
- Next, select the "My Maps" tab from the top of the page. This will open a blank map of the United States. Practice moving around the map, zooming in and out, and changing its view from satellite, terrain, and map using the tools on the map itself.
- Once you are comfortable with the feel of the map, select "Create new map" from the top of the page. Much like a wiki, this will turn the map into an editable document.
- Use the hand tool to move around the map.
- Use the placemarkers to highlight key cities, features, etc. Add information and photos in the box that appears when you drop the placemarker. Click on the placemarker icon within the box to change its appearance. This allows you to color-code your map.
- Use the line tool to connect placemarkers.
- Use the shape tool to highligt regions.
- Title your completed map and add a description.
- Be sure to click "Done" to save your work.
How Do I Embed Google Maps?
To embed your map onto a wiki page, select "Link to this page" in the upper right hand corner your Google Map page. This gives you the HTML code that can be added to your wiki, using the HTML Magic Plugin on your wiki toolbar.
Examples
This is a very simple Google Map I made for demonstration purposes.
Educational Uses
- Map historical landmarks by Empire or time period
- Locate sites of natural disasters
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Comments (5)
Mrs. McShinsky said
at 9:04 am on Jul 25, 2008
Thank you. I want to use this in my Roman Empire unit. This way students can make and tag their map.
Anonymous said
at 8:22 pm on Jul 25, 2008
I am thinking of using this to have my students plot out the path of their explorers. Last year I had to find different maps for each of them to use as each student had a different explorer. This puts them in charge of more of the work which I like. thanks for sharing.
Denise
Angela Cunningham said
at 8:53 pm on Jul 25, 2008
Notice that when you go to My Maps, you can select which map(s)! to view at any given time. This means, at least in theory, that if all students are working from the same Google account - they should be able to create maps independently, but view them collaboratively in any combination. Kind of like layering transparencies. I'm excited to try this feature next year!
Angela
chwms@... said
at 10:33 pm on Aug 7, 2008
I found the plug-in, I made my map, I got my HTML to embed...but which plug-in do I choose? Google gadget? That didn't seem to work.... help!
C.Wms
Ms. Edwards said
at 6:09 pm on Aug 18, 2008
use the HTML Magic Plugin on your wiki toolbar :)
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