Google Maps Mashups

It seems that Google maps mashups are some of the most popular and most easily accessible mashups available. In fact, map mashups were created by Paul Rademacher, a man who now works for Google (after hacking into Google maps site to create this technology). Rademacher's profile can be found at
http://www.technologyreview.com/TR35/Profile.aspx?Cand=T&TRID=437



In the article, "Use Google Map Mashups in K-12 Education" Jeffrey Branzburg identifies specific tools such as Gmaps Pedometer, Google Planimeter, YourGMap, The NYC Interactive Transit Map, and Earthquakes in the Last Week as very effective resources in the K-12 setting. Check them out they are very interesting! The article can be found at
http://www.techlearning.com/showArticle.php?articleID=187002846

Mapping Mashups

When I first saw this terminology as the information technology that I was to explore, I thought, "Just my luck to get something I have never heard of before!" But after doing some research, I happily realized that I have used the technology many times without knowing it by name, and I'm sure that you have too.

Have you ever seen an image like this?

If you have, then you have already seen mapping mashup technology at work!

Mapping Mashups use online mapping services such as those offered by Google or Yahoo!, to display customized, clickable markers showing points of interest and related information. In the classroom, they can place lessons in a rich geographical context and increase interactivity. They can be useful for spatial display of research data or for enhancing information on campus Websites (Educause Learning Initiative--Abstract of "7 Things You Should Know About Mapping Mashups").


Read the full article at the following link: http://www.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ELI7016.pdf