Traveling The World With Google Maps and Google Earth

This is the latest draft of a constantly changing workshop on how to use the free mapping tools provided by Google for teaching and learning. The material and links were valid as of the publish date of this page. Everything, however, is subject to change.

With that disclaimer, let’s get started.

The workshop is divided into two main parts, Google Maps and Google Earth. Within each we’ll look at using the basic application, some instructional applications you can use right now, and an introduction to how you can create your own applications. Here’s our agenda.

Agenda

Introduction/Overview

Using Google Maps

Using Google Earth

Where do you go from here?

Introduction/Overview

Maps? Earth? What’s the difference?

While both Maps and Earth use the same maps, satellite and arial photography, much of the same technologies, and some overlapping features, there are some important differences between the two resources. This chart should explain the most important of them.

With that brief overview, let’s give Google Maps a try.

Where Do You Go From Here?

Now that you’ve had the chance to see what Google Maps and Google Earth can do, you’ll need to practice your skills and explore what others are doing with the tools.

One thing that the two resources share is that there are many sites on the web keeping track of new ways that people are using both Maps and Earth as well as the new features being added by Google. Here are some of the best.

Google Earth Community – A message board with thousands of members who post information about the many ways to use Earth. One section is dedicated to using the software for education. You’ll need to register (free) to take full advantage of the community.

KML Gallery – Many people have also created layers and overlays for Earth. The Gallery shows the best of these and makes them available for anyone, including educators, to use at no cost.

Google’s Geo Education Site – Part of the Google for Educators section, Geo Education offers information and lesson plans for using Maps and Earth as well as two other interesting applications, Sky and SketchUp, in the K-12 classroom.

Google Earth Lessons – A blog devoted to distributing lessons using Google Earth and other mapping tools created by and for teachers.

Google Maps Mania – A regularly updated blog that keeps track of the many mashups that mix Google Maps with other data. Most of these are not for use in the classroom, although some teachers might be interested in the Starbucks locator.

Google Sightseeing – A blog that links to unusual sights found on satellite images found on Google Maps and Google Earth. Most information is submitted by readers and they encourage everyone to submit tips.

Using Google Earth – This blog regularly posts tips and tricks for making the best use of the program along with links to other information and resource sites. Another good one, although with more ads, is the Google Earth Blog.

The Official Google Blog – The designers at Google write their own blog about new things being done at the company. This goes way beyond Maps and Earth but it’s still essential to keep up.

Tags: earth, geography, google, maps