Lesson
Making simple maps

This tutorial will show you how to create simple data-driven maps using free, cloud-based software.

Software

This tutorial uses free (or freemium) cloud-based mapping services.

Google My Maps

• Easy to get started
• Limit of 2000 points
• Limited formatting options

CartoDB

• Easy to import and display data
• Powerful platform for data manipulation and visualisation (use your own PostGIS queries)
• Can’t edit base maps (but can import custom base maps from MapBox)
• Limits on free account

MapBox

• Powerful styling abilities
• Make your own base maps and tilesets
• Limits on free account

Getting started

• Creating a map with Google My Maps

Cleaning data

• Splitting coordinate values in Google Sheets

More advanced maps with CartoDB

• Getting started with CartoDB
• Merging data sources
• Sharing maps

Storytelling with maps

• American Panorama – uses CartoDB
• Odyssey.js – uses CartoDB
• Neatline