I think that there is something about maps that ropes all of us in. Especially Google’s maps! They are easy to use, have such a range of options (look at all of the different layers you can view in Google Earth!), and with the satellite (and now Street) view we can really see what we are looking at.
Pete Forsyth, a good friend of mine, has been working in his neighborhood of Portland, OR, on a year-long planning process for a redesign of Portland Parks & Recreation’s central maintenance facility and nursery. The architect involved recently presented six concept plans as reference points during the proposal development. Pete took these concept plans and mapped them out using Google Maps, and posted them for the community’s use as conversations and decision-making takes place building the proposal. As Pete explains, “These concepts make it possible for the public to see the current status of our work, and some of the directions we’re moving in. The Google Map format gives them a friendly presentation, that allows the viewer to click on an object to see notes relevant to it, etc.”
I think it’s an awesome way of leveraging free tools to help convey ideas and stories to your community in a way that does not require you to have a conversation yourself with all those you want to reach.
If you want to try it out for yourself, log in to a Google account and visit http://maps.google.com. In the ‘my maps’ area, click on ‘create new map’ and get started! Pete says that the point-and-click tools are very intuitive. You can even invite others to collaborate on a map with you!
How do you think your organization could use a map in its storytelling? Have you used maps in the past? What successes did you have?
There is a lot going on lately with the use of dynamic maps online.
Firstly, Google Earth now has a layer for “placemarks” of New York Times articles. A month’s worth of stories at a time will be held for viewing and Google is open for additional partnerships with other news outlets. It is a rich way to experience your news browsing and a great way to combine many of the other layers of Google Earth’s geographically integrated information like YouTube videos and organizations. You can check it out by downloading the most recent version of Google Earth.
Also making news, is the partnership program with Google Earth and the United Nations Refugee Agency that allows for the combination of satellite maps, photos, videos and personal accounts providing an insider’s view of the crises in places like Chad, Iraq, and Darfur. You can read one of the news articles about the partnership here.
In May, our 501 Tech Club brown bag event for Portland will feature a presentation from Roger Burks of Mercy Corps: Connections in Crisis - Around the world, relief agencies are working to bring their clients the tools they need to find their loved ones. From web sites to cell phones to databases, a variety of tactics have been used. Come explore this case study from Mercy Corps whether you have attended a 501 Tech Club event before or not. They are a great place to spend your lunch hour and connect with others in the local nonprofit technology sector. You can join the affinity group online or email me with questions.
Has your organization considered using Google Earth to map its work or changes in the service area? How could you use maps to better tell your organization’s story for you?
Take a look at this incredible story, told through the use of maps. It really makes me think about the dynamic way nonprofits and other social change agents should and could be using dynamic media to tell their stories and grow supporters. Watch ReadWriteWeb for Marshall Kirkpatrick’s article on the digital story!
What do you think? Has your organization tried using a dynamic tool like maps or photos online to tell a story?
Here is a quick list of a few things on my radar, that I think should also be on yours! 
Mapping - The Wild Apricot blog has a great post featuring three ways nonprofits are using maps.
Marketing - The Nonprofit Communications blog tells you about a five-step strategy to market your nonprofit online.
ROI - Have you checked out Care2’s Frogloop blog’s Social Network ROI calculator before? If you haven’t, you should!
Case Studies - Beth keeps a great wiki and shares case studies of nonprofits using social media.
Fundraising - Peter Deitz has picked up on a disparaging mood about peer-to-peer fundraising, what are your thoughts?
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