ABOUT:
Google Fusion is one of the many ways you can make maps yourself to show data, group places, or combine places with their data. Google Fusion must be combined with Google Spreadsheets for it to work, and once you create a map with Fusion, it cannot be updated automatically. You must collect all your data before you begin. Once your data has been created and synced, inside Fusion, you can change your pointers, which data is displayed, and even group pointers to show how data flows. Google Fusion, like all Google Drive products, allows you to share, and build with others, but because Fusion requires training and practice, it may be difficult to remotely meet with someone to map using Fusion. Last, Fusion can be published and shared, but it does not go live to Google Maps because it does not readily export as a KML file.
Supported
PC, Mac, Android
Pros
- Once your data is created, it is easy to make changes inside Fusion
- The visualizations are fun, and exactly like what you see in a Google Map
- Navigating the visuals of your data is as easy as it is on Maps
Cons
- It is not easy to learn Fusion. You will want to use lynda.com through the Exchange, or take a class to learn the basics.
- Fusion does not sync to your spreadsheet, should you need to make changes. You must upload or merge a whole new spreadsheet.
- Fusion does not go live to Google Maps. Instead, you must learn to plot on Google Earth for this feature.
EXAMPLES
Below is a screenshot of a map a student made in Fusion of study spots in the Atlanta area. You can see she made the plot points green, instead of the classic red. And you can see the information she included on the selected spot.
Uses
There are many reasons you might make a map in Fusion for a class. If you need to present information containing places for a history class, or to map where all the oak trees are located near campus for Biology, you can use Fusion to do this. If you have data to present on gas pricing in a certain area, or want to plot where people live that own drones, you can do this in Fusion.