Aerial maps are terrific for finding your way around a very big world. Google Maps is one such provider. It allows people to travel all over the world—Europe, Africa, Australia, or wherever else their heart desires. Talk about bringing the world at your fingertips! But while Americans may think the technology as wonderful, many places around the world do not share this sentiment. They view Google Earth negatively, and even consider it a threat.
Governments from various countries around the world are concerned over national security. They are alarmed at the fact that the homes of their citizens can be seen from all over the world. Another cause for concern are the detailed images of military installations and government property. Since its debut in June 2005, it has been the source of controversy among countries such as India, South Korea, Thialand, and even Russia. One Russian security analyst was quoted as stating, “"Terrorists don't need to reconnoiter their target. Now an American company is working for them." But experts from within the U.S. are quick to point out that the same images that these countries call a security breach are readily available online anyway.
People who feel aerial images pose no threat also point out that there are some security restrictions in place. For example, live streams are not allowed for high-resolution images. So a terrorist couldn’t, for example, sit on their computer and wait until a bunch of troops have gathered at some location then decide to strike. So while having a detailed map of an enemy territory may be room for concern, it’s not like it’s real-time photos.
Google Earth is a free desktop application. With a good internet connection, users can be soaring over Taj Mahal , Big Ben, or a historic theme park within minutes. All you do is enter in an address or a popular landmark and the software will “zoom in” to that location using high-tech image technology. Images are not live, but most are relatively recent (within about 18 months or so). Other companies such as Terraserver and GlobeXplorer also offer databases filled with worldwide images.
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It is a well known fact that maps do not require language skills. An illiterate will most likely be able to interpret a map but not written directions. Still most of the travel and real estate websites on the net do not use maps. I strongly believe that all website must have a small outline map of the city where the business is located and may be of the country as well.
Business map, in their very basic format, have the outline or the boundary of the city. The location of the business can be shown as a colored dot or the business name or your logo can also be shown instead of a dot. A catchy phrase at the bottom or middle of the map can summarize your business. The inset of such a city map can have the country map with basic demarcations of the state or province boundaries and your city shown prominently.
This conveys to the visitor a sense of belonging, a sense of direction, that your business is located in the West or East or North or South. In all probability he will remember the general location and what your business ddeals with, better than the words of the address. We humans have a way with pictures. Now the question comes, how to get the map and then how to edit it as suited to your requirements. There are many mapping sites which provide you with outline maps at low costs. You can visit them and buy these fully editable maps and feed your specific information and use it in your website.
But what you need is a small country outline map, why pay $50 or more to an online mapping site for it. Yes you are right. A country outline map should be available for $20 or may be $10 or even free. So how do you create a free map for your site. Just go over to Google Earth or Google Map, display your country's full extent, save the screen as image. Now use Adobe Illustrator or Macromedia Freehand to vectorise the outline. You got your vector country outline map. Add the relevant information and use it the way you want.
All simple maps can be easily created by this method but for big and complicated maps you need cartographers or map makers. All maps can not be produced by just drawing lines, you need GIS exports, some re-specifications, may be some adjustments and a pleasing design which conforms to the use of the map. No wonder, map making is a lovely amalgamation of art and science.
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