Google Maps

Using GoogleMaps, or another interactive mapping program, can give journalistic projects greater dimension and feel. The Parkersburg Tornado Aftermath Project from the Des Moines Register allows users to see the effect of a particular tornado upon a town. Users can view pictures of before and after, video and written responses from citizens, as well as where the town plans to rebuild. This is a great way to visually represent a disaster, because it allows people to view where things happened.

When I was on GoogleMaps earlier, it appears that there is also a way to create a linear map project. Examples of this are maps chronicling the life of vice president-elect Joe Biden and president-elect Obama Biden, as well as the map of The 21 Stages 0f the Tour de France.

GoogleMaps definitely has a place in journalism, much like a Flickr album or a video. They add depth and vitality to a story and provide another method for people to learn about what is being written.