Thing 25 Assignment 3 Google Maps

I quite enjoyed working with Google maps. Probably the most important thing I learned was that the markers are not necessarily accurate, which I learned from searching my own library -- the marker was off by a couple of miles. Verify the information -- the time trusted reference technique. I claimed my library and was able to correct the information and move the marker.

I most liked being able to switch back and forth from the map, satellite and terrain views for the same area. The satellite view of my house showed my deck and yard, but not what was on the deck, so I couldn't date the satellite image.

For customers, I've used Google maps to get directions, show locations, and even traffic. The street views are great for people planning trips to locations where the street view is available. The personalized or customized maps with photos added to the markers are great for highlighting trips already taken. And now someone looking up my library can find the location and get the hours and website.

Like others without direct access to the library website server, I did not embed a map on the library's website or even link to one. But I can suggest maps that we can add, and possibly even create them.

Thanks for a memorable exercise.

Thing 25 Assignment 2 Google Maps

I searched Google Maps for the Polley Music Library. It came up, but the location was way off. I moved the marker, using satellite view, and then checked it with map view. The information was incomplete and inaccurate, so I claimed the listing and edited it. Finally. I validated it. And checked it again. I added the web address, added the street address, corrected the zip code, and added hours. Now people can find the Polley Music Library from Google Maps.

Thing 25 Assignment 1 Google Maps

When I first started the assignment, I was suprised how many of the features I had tried previously, looking for hotels in Naples, vegetarian restaurants in Prague, and libraries and museums in Budapest. I decided to explore the coast of Tobago, the other island of Trinidad and Tobago, and a happy vacation spot of mine. The hardest part was to move and zoom to actually find the island off of a map. I discovered that if one zooms too far, one can bypass the landmarks that one is looking for. I was focused on looking for specific places I'd been. The satellite view worked well in conjunction with the map and terrain views. And there were some photos and a couple of videos available, along with a Wikipedia article. I then went to Phuket and tried the same things with the views, and tried some searching. And finally went back to the assignment and worked through each of the searches, watched the videos, and tried everything with my own part of Lincoln. Unfortunately the street views available for my part of town are only along a major street and show parks and fences.



On to the official assignment. I searched for "1445 K St. 68509" and found the Nebraska State Capitol. While I was able to zoom the satellite view to see cars, I could only tell if they were light, dark, or red. I decided to get directions to the capitol from Bennett Martin Library, and picked the "walking" option, which Google informed me is "in Beta" and may be missing sidewalks, etc. I did find out that I could walk down the street, but it told me I needed to turn on K Street, thus missing the 14th Street entrance.



I've been an avid map user from a very early age. I'm very comfortable with traditional map views and topographic views, as well as aerial views. What I would use would depend on the specific circumstance. Street view would probably be my last choice.



I further explored the exotic places listed in the assignment. Street view is no substitute for being there. I did find a pothole in a street near Osaka. I also checked traffic, and traffic was pretty heavy in Paris this afternoon. I didn't find a kangaroo, but I have pictures of kangaroos and koalas and dingos and Tasmanian devils from my own trip to Australia.