Maps - use the right tool

When you need a map, use the right one for the job. If what you need is a road map, you don't need Google Earth or Microsoft Virtual Earth, for example. Google Maps or Microsoft's Live Maps. Basically, I avoid the resource-intensive and thus also slower 3D apps such as Google Earth when I don't really need them to get the job done.

Here are what I see as the strengths of some common mapping apps:

• Basic mapping. Google Maps is my first choice for all basic mapping, from road maps to aerial (satellite)views. Google's maps seem to cover much more of the globe and in closer detail. Google Maps even has a "Traffic" view now, as well as a "Terrain" view.
• 3D maps. For a 3D-type view, I generally prefer Google Earth.
• I use Microsoft Virtual Earth (the 3D part of Live Maps) if and only if I need to get a closer view. In some locations, Virtual Earth's maps get you a bit closer to the surface.
• Measuring distances. Use Google Earth's measurement tool to get a pretty close idea of distances. You can even plot a multi-point line and get the total distance.
• Placemarks. If you want to mark a place on the earth for others to see and you want to add a pop-up box description, see if WikiMapia fits your need. WikiMapia uses Google Maps. Example: Mulungwishi, Katanga Province, D.R. Congo.
• Local points of interest. If you want to add local map "pins" for specific points of interest, Google Maps is great.
• Multiple needs, including 3D. To combine local points of interest plus geographic location plus the need to tilt the view, Google Earth may be your best choice.

Battle of the mappers

Microsoft's "Local Live" map site includes some "Bird's Eye" views that are of high quality. Not all areas of even major cities are covered by the "Bird's Eye feature, though. Also, some of the images are of lower quality than those of Google Maps. Overall, I like Google Maps the best.

Both Microsoft and Google have a map view that shows roads plus satellite. Between the Google "hybrid" view and Microsoft's "aerial", I prefer Google's.

• Microsoft's aerial view of APUMC
• Google's Hybrid view of APUMC

Plot multiple point maps

I was going to gush over a make-your-own-map site, MultiPlottr I discovered recently. Then I noticed that Google has enhanced Google Maps to include "My Maps".

With both MultiPlottr and Google's My Maps, you can add several map points and assign text to the point for display in the normal Google pop-up balloon. But Google's My Maps appears to offer more and has the Google ease of use and cool minimalist interface we've come to expect from Google.

I tested MultiPlottr by plotting lots of places to eat around where I work. We may refer visitors to it in emails prior to visits. My recommendation -- try both and see what you like.

Update April 19:
While Google My Maps is great, it still cannot actually plot multiple exact addresses. You basically "swag it" by dragging the marker. Multiplottr, on the other hand, does let you add specific addresses, then plots them for you.

Update: April 21:
It's a different process than I anticipated. Google does let you locate an address, and then add it to a custom map in MyMaps. [There is still a 50 address limit per map, though.] Here's the process:

1. Sign in to Google.
2. If you have never created a map, click on the "My Maps" tab and create one. Then save that map.
3. Search for an address or for business near that address (for example "restaurants near _____"). If you search for businesses or similar groups of addresses, each address listing in the search sidebar now has an "Add to My Maps" link. When you search for an individual address, the address marker balloon includes a "Save to My Maps" link.
4. If you have more than one map, select the correct one via the drop-down box.
5. Edit the marker balloon title and text. You can use the text tools to bold or color text and background. If you add a link in text for (including the http://), Google makes it a link.
6. OK the results. Presto -- a new marker is plotted. You can plot up to 50 on one map.

Dig a hole through the earth

If you dig a hole "clear through the earth", will you really come out in China?

Find out with this very clever Google Maps mashup by a Brazillian developer.

Clever and fun.