How to create a map using Google map or earth

If you would like to embed the finished map into a web application use Google Map:

1. create an account or log on
2. my maps
3. create new map/title/description
4. zoom to area of interest
5. add placemark icon
6. drag placemark exactly where you want it
7. type in the title
8. type in the description (i.e. story) or copy and paste from existing text
9. toggle map/satellite/terrain view
10. done
11. share with others: link/customize and preview embedded map/copy and paste the html to another web application or send the email link to someone
12. I recommend to watch a 3 minute video on how to create a map: http://maps.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=67842

Pros:

• can embed html into other websites to view map and placemarks, zoom, pan or go to main google map site
• can import kml files
  

Cons:

• cannot export as a static jpeg
• unique features as, kml files, must be stored on a public server for everyone to access
  

If you do not need to embed try Google earth:

1. zoom to area of interest
2. File menu/Add/placemark
3. drag placemark exactly where you want it
4. type in the name
5. type in the description (i.e. story) or copy and paste from existing text or add a url that links directly to a web page
6. repeat for each story and location
7. share with others several ways by choosing email the placemark/view/image to individuals or share/post with the general public

Pros:

• can export as a jpeg
• can import kml files
  

Cons:

That's the basics...pretty darn friendly. Do more by simply exploring the menus and buttons...there's not alot of options but the options are available are useful and easy to learn

Citizen Science toolkit

Excellent resource for everything you need to create a Citizen science project, including links to tools

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/citscitoolkit/toolkit