First April Tip: Mapping Data Points

Maps

Maps are so cool. They are visual representations of where things are located. A cool new add on for Google Sheets allows you to create maps of spreadsheet data. First, you need this document. When you click on the document, it will force you to make a copy. Now that you have a copy, start adding some sample information. To start, I would just add 2 lines of information. You can re-build your map multiple times, so it’s ok if you don’t have all of the information there yet. You can change the headings and/or the information listed. I’ve just included those as samples.

Now, add the mapping add-on. Click on ADD-ONS, Get ADD-ONS. Search for Mapping Sheets and click to add it. Once it’s added, go back to your sheet and click on ADD-ONS, Mapping Sheets, Start Mapping. The menu will appear on the right hand side of the screen. I leave the Title and Filter as the Name of the School. Change the location to be the location from the drop down menu to the right. Click BUILD at the bottom. Click VIEW to see your map. Add the link to a web page to show your mapped data. If you go back and add more information, you will have to click the build button again. Your link will NOT change though, but update with the new built information.

We used this add-on to map the data for the location of our schools with an administrator name and phone number.  We then added a link to our web page. Here’s what our link looks like. What do you think? Share your ideas for how this tool could be useful in the comments section.