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Mapping Mashups
What is it? 
A mashup refers to a website or application that combines information from multiple sources into a single cohesive use. Mapping mashups refer to the use of mapping tools such as Yahoo maps or Google maps to compile data onto a map with markers, text, pictures, audio, video, or online resources. For example, a mapping mashup could be constructed to show the location of every earthquake in the past ten days with corresponding information for each location. Each location could be zoomed in on and the user could view any information tagged to that earthquake instance.
Mapping Mashups
What are the educational uses and benefits?
Information Context:
- Integrates readily available technology, geography, and the subject matter to provide physical contexts for data.
- Allows for multiple media to be assigned to each map marker.
Research:
- Research: Can be utilized as a research tool.
Visual Aid:
- Provides visual and kinesthetic roles in learning.
Mapping Mashups
Can I see an example?
View an example of a mapping mashup exploring collapsed civilizations.
Mapping Mashups
How do I get started?
- Most mapping sites will require a username and password in order to save your mapping mashup.
- To build your map click on “create new map.”
- Give your map a title and description
- To mark areas on your map you can either type in a physical location or address, or you can click on the map to insert a marker.
- After inserting a marker click on the marker to insert text, links, images, and other media.
- Most mapping sites markers with a “rich text” option, such as Google Maps, will function similarly to a Word document thus allowing the user to easily insert text, links, and media. If the mapping site you are using does not have a “rich text” option you may have to use html code in order to insert media.
- The following sites are examples of mapping sites that allow for the user to create mashups:
Mapping Mashups
Where can I learn more?
- Mapping Mashups PDF:A two-page PDF describing seven things you should know about mapping mashups.
- Mapping Mashup Example: An example of a mapping mashup used to display the occurrences of earthquakes in the last week.
- Use Google Maps Mashups in K-12 Education: An article discussing uses of mapping mashups in the K-12 school system.
- Wikipedia: Mashup Web Applications: A detailed explanation of the different types of mashups and links to examples, articles, and software.
