Map (activity)/V3update

The Map activity (will be) updated to version 3. This version is faster and displays more information. You will be able to share and make maps with your class and the world.

Using Google Maps V3

The Map activity uses the newest versions of Google Maps. The program also uses a direct connection from the XO laptop to Google's servers, and loads a map designed for mobile phones.

Sharing Maps

Invite people to join you in the Maps activity. Their XO will load the same position and zoom level, and update when any user changes the map. Invited XO's use jpg's so a whole classroom of students can use maps.

Map Types

You can now select Satellite, Hybrid, and Terrain maps. This should broaden the number of places visible in the Map activity.

Added loads maps added by Google users in countries without road maps.

Distance and Area

You can now measure a distance or rectangle area. In the Edit menu, click the ruler icon to start measuring. Click to add the first point and double-click to add remaining points. Double-click Done to finish measuring distance.

Adding Media

Media markers (embedding photos and video from Record) now appear as blue Google Maps pins. Click a pin to view its content. There are also text-only "info markers" which are a different color.

Find

Now searching for "Japan" will show you the whole country. The renamed Find: box uses the newest version of Google Maps to change both the center and zoom for your search.

Using Maps Library

In the Edit menu, click the browse icon to open the maps library. You can now view mapped Wikipedia articles and Panoramio photos. You can also search for maps from the new maps4xo library. The nearby maps box shows you the 5 closest maps on maps4xo, up to 500km away.

Learn how you can add maps to the library at http://maptonomy.appspot.com/maps4xo/make

Wikipedia and Panoramio

Open the maps library. In the top right, click the Wikipedia or Panoramio icon to add them to the map. Use the controls displayed over the map, instead of the activity controls.

Using OurMaps

The online library also has a network for making maps as a group. Create a group name and password that you share with a class or a school. You can share maps with the world (Share) or show the maps only to your group (Private).

Have students map places in your community. Use the XO's Record activity to take photos. Think about what makes your place different from other parts of the world - your culture, the food, the plants and animals that you see....

Shared maps can be seen by all groups. The Who's there? feature will help you find other groups' maps (starting with 3 places in the United States: Las Cruces, Nashua, and Cape Cod).

Lessons

Some maps on maps4xo have lessons attached to them. This information can help you introduce maps to your class, or share your map with the world.