Category: 5 Point Map Tools

Comparisons of 3 Mapping Tools

Posted on Author Norah Do

Google Fusion Table

BatchGeo

MapMe

After creating point maps of sample lunch data on three different tools, I have learned that BatchGeo is the easiest to use, while MapMe is much more flexible, and Google Fusion Table is the middle ground of the other two.

In less than five minutes, I could create a nice map on BatchGeo by copying the data on the website. However, the downside for this is that I did not have the chance to customize my map. The info windows are fixed, and I cannot change the point size and display. Therefore, BatchGeo is recommended for people who need to make a simple map quickly.

On the other hand, MapMe offers users many choices of map display. I could customize the info windows and symbols for the points on the map. I could decide the map type and even upload a map logo. There are also more tools, which I hope to learn more in the semester. Unfortunately, MapMe is not very user-friendly and efficient. The tool is rigid in terms of importing data. The website did not allow me to create a map until all the locations in my data are formatted correctly. So I had to add one address at a time. Though adding an address is not hard because the site suggested the right location very quickly, this will not be efficient if I’m working with some data with many addresses. Thus, MapMe is suitable for those who want a customized map and do not mind spending some time working on it.

For me, Google Fusion Table is the middle ground between BatchGeo and MapMe. Google Fusion Table is easy to use. I could create a map after uploading data and pick the right column for the geocoding process. I can also customize my info windows and points, though not as flexibly as MapMe. So if an user is looking for an user-friendly and flexible tool, he or she can choose Google Fusion Table to create a map.

Comparing Various Mapping Tools

Posted on Author Kaitlyn Sprague

MapMe

BatchGeo

Google Fusion Tables

Of the three mapping programs, BatchGeo was my favorite. In addition to being the most aesthetically pleasing, it was by far the easiest to use. I was easily able to import my data and I did not have to reformat my Excel document in any way. However, the free version does not support more than 250 entires, so I was not able to geocode all food establishments in Hartford. Thus, I chose to just map restaurants around Trinity. I also appreciate that BatchGeo uses Google Maps as its source.

On the other hand, MapMe was the most difficult. In order to import data, I had to download their Excel template, and then I had to transfer all of my data into the template for it to be imported. This took a considerable amount of time.

In regards to Google Fusion Tables, I’m not exactly sure how I feel yet. I think that it is the most difficult to learn, but will eventually yield the best results once learned. I have just learned how to set a column to “location” and I am still struggling to embed this map.

Knox. Community Gardens Point Map

Posted on Author Doris Zhang

Google fushion table:

BatchGeo:

MapMe:

Marking the same data set on different software, I found out different tradeoffs from Google fushion table, BatchGeo and Mapme.

Google fushion table has more freedom in terms of filtering out the actual information we need. Also there are some features that we can self custom, such as the color of the point, shape and also the column that needs to be mapped on.

BatchGeo:
BatchGeo is an easy and fast operated mapping software. An easy process of data import can help user complete a standard point map. Nevertheless, the features that user can change due to self-need is sort of limited and photos cannot be added on in the data profile.

Mapme has an easier and clear layout that the software itself has designed for us. Few essential features are listed on the left side. User can add in data point one at a time if it’s a small dataset and just needs to type in the information as well as pictures that needs to be presented. User can also import data directly, whereas the software takes time to read the data smartly.