Lists are boring and maps are fun... If you agree and haven't figured out what to do about it yet then I've got something to share with you. I'm all for creating a more visual experience for my readers and am constantly on a quest to find better ways to present information. After a period of trial and error testing different software I seem to have found one that really delivers the goods when it comes to mapping lists...

Recently I stumbled over ZeeMaps.  I've only been testing it for a couple of days, so I'm not the expert yet, but I can say that it does have a lot going for it up to now. Not only can you color code the markers, you also have a lot of flexibility on what you can include in the info bubble when you click on the marker. I used it to map out schools in Iowa City and limited the info to address, phone and a link to the website. (The link to the website is what impressed me). Amazingly it's also possible to embed pictures and videos. (Not quite what I needed, but very cool all the same). They have a very good tutorial on the website, which is really helpful. Although, having said that, there is still a bit of a learning curve. (It took me about half a day to figure out the most important stuff).


Of course the google ads are a little irritating. I would need to upgrade to get rid of those. (Just not ready to pay to NOT have something yet - seems a little counter-intuitive to me!)

 

 

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5 Comments on Lists Are Boring... Maps Are Fun... Time to make the change...

APR
06
2010
680,754 Points 51 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Denise, being a map person this quickly caught my eye. I'm off to check them out! Thanks. :)
2:48pm • #1
365,166 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Connie ~ I just love finding ways to visualize stuff... It needs to be simple too, like my graphs, because I don't have all the time in the world! This program does have a couple of tricks that need figuring out - like entering a starting location when you first create the map. It makes it so much easier to work with if you have a central location you're working with right from the get go. Once you've figured it out though it's easy enough. (As most things are once you've done them a couple of times).

Hope it works out for you.

Denise
4:25pm • #2
337,460 Points 9 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Denise ~ Thanks for the heads up about this.  I find google maps very hard to work with and figure others do too given how many programs are out there.  I'm always trying to do things on the fly so not sure if I can devote half a day - but we'll see - maps are definitely needed on R.E. blogs I think.

Liz
8:13pm • #3
762,198 Points 69 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Thanks for this, Denise.  I will have to check it out because Google maps drives me nuts.  I can't seem to get the map to show up properly. 
8:14pm • #4
365,166 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Liz ~ Yes, I think we're all agreed, Google maps is a real pain to work with. It wasn't my plan to spend half a day on this either, but I'm like a dog with a bone once I get started on something and I've been determined to crack this maps thing for a while now! Like you, I really think they are a "must have" in RE blogs.

Plus of course I made the mistake of not putting a starting location in when I first created the map and that complicates the whole process. If you kind of know where you want the centre of your map to be, that will help you loads and shorten the process considerably. (I probably saved you an hour right there!:-)

Hi Jane ~ I think next to establishing the centre of the map at the beginning, the next tough bit was figuring out how exactly to get the link to look the finished product on the screen. That ended up being simpler than I was making it too. I think the next "free" half day I have I need to go in and write a tutorial. Or at least give a few pointers!

Denise
8:54pm • #5

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