Unit+1+Google+Maps+Instructions

How useful is Google Maps to help us to find our way? ** Follow the instructions below and answer the questions in your presentation in as much detail as possible. ** __** The Task **__

1) Open Google Maps. Find your local neighbourhood by typing in your address and using the zoom button. You can drag the map across the page to move it around. Did it take you to your house straight away? Copy the map (ImprPant) and explain whether it takes you to your house.

2) Copy an area of your neighbourhood that includes your street and about 4 or 5 blocks around it. Study the Google Map carefully. You can use the map, earth and street view options. If somebody was going to download it to get to your house would it be accurate enough? What is correct or inaccurate about the map? Label the parts of your map which are accurate or inaccurate, showing evidence such as photos or by drawing your own map. (You may need to go out into your neighbourhood to be able to do this.)

3) How does the map compare to a published map of Cali that you buy in the shop? What similarities and differences can you find? Write at least 3 similarities and 3 differences.

4) To create a map in Google Maps you need to have a Google account. You can also click on the Get Help in the menu bar at the top left hand side of the page. You can watch the videos of how to use Google Maps by clicking on the links on the Unit 1 website page of the wiki. You could make a tour of your neighbourhood, your route to school or to another city. You need to make a show at least 4 interesting places that you pass on the way. Make it colourful and interesting by changing the base map, the shape and colour of lines and place-marks and by adding photos and written descriptions. You could even try to add your own icons by searching for them in the internet and uploading them.

5) Write your opinion of the Google Maps program. Is it accurate and easy to use? Was it easy to create your own map? What would you change about the program if you could?

6) There are other mapping and navigation programs that you can use. What other programs do you know? Are they better or worse than Google Maps? How are they similar or different to Google Maps? You may not use Google Earth. If you do not know of any other programs, you need to research what there is on the internet and explore them.

In your presentation you must:


 * 1) Save/print all the maps of your neighbourhood that you use from Google Maps. Write whether the information on the Google maps is accurate by giving specific examples about road names, landmarks, directions etc. You should use your own experience of the neighbourhood to do this. Use the Print Screen key (Imp/Pnt) to copy what is on your screen – you can then paste this into Word or Powerpoint.
 * 2) Include mapping terminology such as coordinates, compass rose, directional arrows, key, scale, and landmarks in your work.
 * 3) Save/print the route you have made in Maps. Include any evidence of the work you did e.g. maps you drew, photos you took.
 * 4) Present your final work to me in a booklet or digital presentation (send to my email and bring printed for portfolio in miniature form eg 9 slides per page)


 * How to create a map using Google Maps instructions: ** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BImuo0Zt1VA