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 uses 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 communities 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.

Media Markers

Media markers (embedding photos and video from Record) now appear as Google Maps pins. Click a pin to view its image.

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 of the map.

Using Maps Library

The XO laptop can search and load maps from the new maps4xo, Wikipedia, and Panoramio. In the Edit menu, click the browse icon to open the library.

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

Wikipedia and Panoramio (photos)

Open the maps library. In the top right, click the Wikipedia or Panoramio icon to view its mapped information.

Nearby Maps

Go to a place in the Maps activity, then open the maps library. The nearby maps box shows you the 5 closest maps, up to 900km away.

Search Maps

Enter one search term ("China", "history", "animals", or "Atlantic Ocean") to find maps lessons. This is a very new library, so there are not many maps yet. Learn how you can add maps to the library at http://maptonomy.appspot.com/maps4xo/make

Lessons

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

Using Our Maps

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).