Best way to create a digital pushpin map with paths
October 28, 2017 3:20 PM   Subscribe

I need to create a map of about 50 people's movements around the US. I'm inclined to buy a corkboard, map, pushpins, and string, but this seems like something where software would have some advantages. Is there a (free or very cheap) option for me? Bonus points if I can overlay a custom or historic map.

Time and money are my biggest considerations here. I have very little of either, unfortunately.

I need something that is:
-Easy to use. I can add a pin by typing a city name or address.
-Able to create paths between pins. Able to handle multiple paths.
-Able to group or label paths and pins.
-Color coded, if possible. Either color coded pins, or color coded paths.
-Cheap. Anything more than $25 is more than I can afford with my project budget. Free is better.
-Pretty quick to implement. I don't have the time to learn R just for this project.

I have heard of Batchgeo, but as far as I can tell, it doesn't have the option of mapping paths between pins. Plus, their pro pricing is far too expensive.

I've been trying out Google Earth, but it's kind of a horrible interface, unless there's some secret to simpler data entry. Otherwise it's been kind of a nightmare to use.

I've heard that Google Maps API might be able to handle this. I know JavaScript well enough, but my concern with that approach would be time. I don't have the time to create a custom app for this.

Like I said, my default is just to get a map with push pins, but I'd like to see what my digital options are, too. It may be that the restrictions I laid out above are just too limiting, and my magic dream software simply doesn't exist. That's OK. I would just like to know.
posted by shapes that haunt the dusk to Science & Nature (4 answers total) 2 users marked this as a favorite
 
Best answer: My Maps Google is what you're looking for.

You can make pins, with labels - mapping and pathing functions, creating separate "layers" will get you your grouping function. Color coded, icons, no need to learn new programming.
posted by Karaage at 3:24 PM on October 28, 2017


Best answer: Seconding Google's My Maps. I'm planning a road trip right now and it is incredibly intuitive and simple. Create different layers for each person's movement.
posted by lilac girl at 4:48 PM on October 28, 2017


Response by poster: Well I'll be. Looks like exactly what I need.

Thanks!
posted by shapes that haunt the dusk at 10:53 AM on October 29, 2017


Best answer: I like and use Google My Maps a lot, but unfortunately it has a limit of 10 layers. Also, if you use the directions function to map paths, you're further restricted to 10 destinations per route. I'm guessing this wouldn't be enough to track 50 people's movements.

So, some free alternatives to consider:
1. Travellerspoint - Simple mapping tool based on Google Maps to plot out and simultaneously view differently colored trips. You can easily search and add unlimited stops and then select among available routes between stops depending on primary transport mode or straight/curved line. You can't overlay a custom map, though.
2. uMap - OpenStreetMap-based tool similar to Google My Maps. It doesn't have the 10-layer limit and offers more options (including custom background), but it's less intuitive without much documentation or support. It also requires extra steps to map routes that would make it a hassle to update with additional locations, or you have to manually draw lines for the paths, which is also tedious.
3. Tableau Public - Powerful data visualization software into which you can import your own background map, but you have to create your locations dataset in a xls or csv with latitude and longitude, and the paths will be straight lines.

I recommend Travellerspoint for your use case. Happy mapping!
posted by eyeball at 10:39 PM on October 29, 2017 [2 favorites]


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