Support the spread of “good practice” in generating, managing, analysing and communicating spatial information Participatory Internet-based Mapping Map Creation By: Jon Corbett and Kasondra White Unit: M13U02

Introduction This Module will cover: –choosing the right tools to create an Internet- based map; –how to create a map using the Internet; –incorporating user-generated materials; –displaying the map.

Choosing the right tools Suitability depends on community goals These questions may help in deciding which tools to use: –What is the budget for making the map? –To whom will the map be made available? –Will the map contain sensitive material? –What kinds of items will be tagged to the map? –Who will be the main contributors/moderators? –How will the map be shared?

Finding Web-based applications Freely available for download online Many entirely Web-based (no download required) Internet is always evolving and new products are constantly emerging Read reviews and keep informed

Accessing map data Begin with a base map –satellite images –street maps –topographic maps ‘Terrain’ View ‘Satellite’ View ‘Map’ View

Accessing map data Base map data will be provided with the application. Other information, such as census data, often can be found online. Most of the data included in an Internet- based map will come from the community.

Incorporating community- generated data Community-generated data can include: –community members’ photographs and videos; –audio recordings, such as interviews; –documents, such as newspaper articles; –links to other online material. Information gathering within the community and by community members

Creating the map New tools may be discovered throughout the process. New aspirations for the map may arise. Map may change from the original vision.

Creating customised pushpins Three stages (using Google Maps): 1.Select and position a marker that designates a point of interest. 2.Associate data with pushpins. 3.Customise pushpins.

Drawing lines and shapes Information attributed to lines and shapes in the same manner as pushpins Useful for: –separating polygons or regions –adding features that are not present on the map

Adding text Text can be added by: –typing directly into the ‘Properties’ box; –linking documents to the map. Ways to modify content: –plain text –rich text –editing HTML –creating links

Adding photos Photos first must be stored on the Web. Creating a customised address and photo storage account for the project will be useful. Photos can be mapped: –directly through storage applications; –by embedding them directly into the map.

Adding videos Similar to adding photographs Create an account with a video-storage site Embed videos directly into the map

Viewing the map in Google Earth Most maps created using Google Maps on the Web can be saved and viewed in Google Earth Using a.kml file converter Putting data into a standard format.kml files are easily stored and shared

What to display on the map Will depend upon intended audience Collaboration Embedding the map May involve creating a website for displaying the map

Long-term map upkeep Who will maintain and update the map? A moderator may be required. Ensure that the map is: –accurate; –up to date; –aligned with community objectives.