The explosion of mapping software, especially now with the convenient Google Maps API, have made it easier than ever to get detailed, accurate, and up-to-date visual data of geography and spatial relationships. For most, this development has gone unnoticed, besides the occasionally useful online driving directions. Embedded maps and satellite images provide clarity and context. Here are some uses you have probably never thought of for using maps and satellite images:
1) Satellite photos as a starting point.
Early-stage building plans benefit from geographical context. You could even use a satellite photo of your backyard as a starting point for landscape design.
2) Custom thematic maps.
These can range from complex sales territory maps to simply mapping the locations of new restaurants you want to try and posting it on your refrigerator.
3) Background images.
Charts about populations, birth/death rates, mortgages, and other geographically oriented statistics benefit from the extra visual impact.
4) Show Your Customers.
If you run a local business or a any group that operates on a smaller, community-by-community basis you can show your customers a tangible representation of your reach. This is useful whether you need to show where all the sites are for a soccer tournament, break down target locations for a contractor, tag secret surf spots, etc.
5) Where am I?
It's never a bad idea to brush up on your geography.
What other unique uses for maps can you think of? Leave a comment.
