Geo Sources
My Maps Google -
Easily create custom maps with the places that matter to you.
My Maps is a tool that allows you to create layers and mark places. It is not the same as Maps located in the G Suite apps which is used to locate a place and plan a route to travel to that place. Type in MyMaps in Google search to open the app.
My Maps Tutorials by Richard Byrne
My Maps can be used by teachers as part of a blended learning lesson to introduce locations and events. It could also be used by students to share what they have learned from a lesson. Alice Keeler's My Maps Lesson Ideas offer other excellent suggestions.
Waterfront Blues Festival | See it in My Maps
Draw - Add points or draw shapes anywhere.
Search - Find places and save them to your map.
Import - Instantly make maps from spreadsheets.
Personalize - Show your style with icons and colors.
Add photos and videos to any place.
Get the word out
Embed maps in your website or blog.
Make maps together - Work together on building your map, just like Google Docs.
Works with Drive - Easily organize all your maps alongside your other documents in Google Drive.
Map Maker Interactive
National Geographic Mapmaker Interactive , is a free online tool from National Geographic. In addition to providing a rich interactive source of information, it allows users to create, save and share customized maps and geotours, including site markers, photos/videos, links and annotations. Additionally, it provides country information.
Excellent short tutorials explaining the functions are found on a National Geo YouTube playlist.
Google Maps: See the World!
Google wants to connect individuals with people, places and things. Google Maps is a key example of this mission. In 2005 Google Maps provided driving directions but its features have evolved. Google Maps is primarily a "consumer" site whereas My Maps is a "creator" site. The two work together and integration continues to improve.
If you don't know the basics of navigation or the features in Maps, watch the Beginner's Guide Tutorial
Google Map Extra
Google Earth
The power of Google Earth lies in its creation tools and the ability to build and record sequences of place and media. The wonder of Google Earth lies in its ability to to take us to different regions of our planet and tell the story of the place.
As of April 2017 Google Earth now has a web app. This app can be located in your Google Apps. You may also access Google Pro on your teacher computer.
If you have not used the new Google Earth, watch the tutorials below:
Other resources:
Other Geo Tools
A Google Mystery Hangout is a classroom to classroom video call to play a Mystery Location Game. This extends your students' world. Note that hangouts can also be used to connect with experts or for virtual field trips.
For more information check out these resources:
Introduction Lesson preparing students & teachers for a Hangout.
GIS is computer software that links geographic information with descriptive information. This technology provides the education with tools to build understanding of the world through geospatial data analysis.
These links will provide you more information about GIS and ESRI's approach:
GeoInquiries (free 15 minute activities with online maps)
Use the GE Teach Comparison Maps Slides presentation above in full screen to learn about this tool's features and potential. A valuable tool to view two maps side by side.
These links will provide more information about another tool GE Tech offers.
GE Teach Tour Builder (tours are no longer available in Google Earth Chrome version)