Name of widget: Custom Google maps
URL: https://www.google.com/maps
What it does: Allows you to create and save a map that can be embedded in a post with full interactivity. The creator can place one or more pointers on the map, by hand, using the Google Map search function, or by importing data. The label of each pointer and its description can be edited. The creator can choose from a variety of different kinds of pointers in different colors, or create his or her icons. Other customization options include adding lines or shapes to the map.
Ease of use: Using the custom maps function requires a Google account. No knowledge of coding is required. However, many of the options are hidden behind unclear icons or in sub-menus, so it takes some exploring to find them and some trial and error, or searching for answers, to figure out how everything works. Once you’re familiar with the interface, creating a map is quick. It’s easy to make changes, which will automatically show up in the versions embedded in posts. Google also allows for collaboration, so a team can work on a map or an editor can fix errors. Depending on the coding of the site a map’s embedded in, it may be necessary to use embedresponsively.com to ensure that the map shows up properly on all devices.
Stories it could tell: For a story about the competition among state universities in Northeast Ohio, a custom Google Map could locate the campuses, showing each school’s locations in a different color. The labels on pointers could be numbers or times on a map showing a sequence connected by lines, such as the route of bank robbers fleeing from police.
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