Hi everybody...
At my work we created a fun tool called
Aardvark Map where you can create custom maps with Google Maps, quickly and easily.
I thought it'd be fun if we each plotted where we are and produced a collective map of where everyone on The Environment Site resides! (I OKed it in advance with Adi, btw!) (
Here's an example of how it might look over time - this is taken from another forum that I'm a member of...)
So, here's how it works...
Member A (that's going to be me! - see next post) goes to
the site and creates a new map, and plots his location by zooming right in on their town/city/village. Of course, don't pinpoint your exact whereabouts (ie your house) if you don't wish to, and I would recommend that you don't just for privacy reasons, but the approximate vicinity should not be a problem. As well as adding your username as the title to your marker, you can also add a message and/or web address. (If you're unsure how Aardvark Map or Google Maps work, you will find information on there to help you along the way.)
When Member A has plotted his location, he pans out to a map of the world, and goes to step 3 to get the code for that map showing his location.
There is code available for forum posts but choose the "E-mailable Link" instead, and post that, because then the code for the map is clearly visible.
Member B then comes along and takes the end bit of the URL (8 characters, and usually a combination of letters and numbers) and goes to
http://www.aardvarkmap.net and clicks on "retrieve old map". The code is entered where the Map ID is requested.
Member B then adds his/her username/location to the map, pans out to the world map, and posts the new URL with the new code.
Member C then comes along and grabs the new code and does the same thing as Member B.
Then Member D, and so on... after a while, we should build up something that shows everyone's whereabouts all on one nice, fun map.
I hope this makes sense... if you get stuck, don't be shy to ask for help!