This document provides instructions for creating and sharing customized online maps using Google Maps. It outlines 6 steps: 1) selecting "My Maps" and creating a new map, 2) giving the map a title and description, 3) using drawing tools to annotate the map, 4) selecting collaborate and sharing settings, 5) sharing the map link so others can add annotations, and 6) opening the map in 3D using Google Earth. The goal is to allow sharing photos, information and opinions about a local area on an interactive online map.

1. Practical Participation offer training & consultancy in using Practical Participation
social media tools and strategies in participation projects. www.practicalparticipation.co.uk
This series of Getting Started guides are designed to offer a tim@practicalparticipation.co.uk
flavour of the tools available.
Version 0.1 – December 2007
Custom Online Maps
With Google Maps (maps.google.com)
Interactive online maps allow you to annotate a
map or Arial photo of your local area.
You might use this to shared your photos of
the local area, provide local information or
find out what people think of facilities and
activities available in the area.
You can share your customized map on the
web or through a 3D mapping program.
Getting Started
Visit http://maps.google.com and select ‘My Maps’.
Follow the instructions below to sign in and get
started
1) Select My Maps
and create a new map 6) Open your map in 3D
using Google Earth
3) Use the drawing tools to
annotate the map. You can
include rich text and even
embed photos and videos.
4) Select collaborate and
choose the collaboration
settings for your map 5) Share the map link with
2) Give you map a others so they can add their
title and description annotations
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