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How can you use Google Maps to verify location data?

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Location data can be crucial for verifying the accuracy and authenticity of news stories, especially when they involve breaking events, conflicts, or disasters. But how can you use Google Maps, one of the most popular and accessible online mapping tools, to check the location information in photos, videos, or reports? Here are some tips and tricks that can help you use Google Maps as a fact-checking and verification tool.

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Kyra Bryant PhD

Scientist at First Street | Hurricane Storm Surge Modeler

1 Use satellite and street view

Google Maps offers two modes that can help you compare the location data in your sources with the actual terrain and features of the place: satellite and street view. Satellite view shows you aerial images of the area, which can help you identify landmarks, roads, buildings, or natural features that match or contradict the location data. Street view shows you panoramic images of the area taken from the ground level, which can help you verify the details, angles, and perspectives of the location data. You can switch between these modes by clicking on the icons on the bottom right corner of the map.

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Kyra Bryant PhD

Scientist at First Street | Hurricane Storm Surge Modeler
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Recently I needed to create an ocean mask to capture the coastlines of Culebra, Puerto Rico in order to develop a flood hazard layer. Fine resolution data sources are few and far between for small islands like this. With Google Maps, I was able to use the satellite view to trace the coastlines and create the high-resolution mask I needed to separate land and water. Also, sometimes our flood data shows unusual or unexpected flooding. With Google street view, we can immerse ourselves in the neighborhood and see what might be causing this flooding. Perhaps there is a cliff or an unmapped embankment controlling the direction of the water. Google's satellite and street view have revolutionized how we see the world, literally.

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2 Use timeline and historical imagery

Google Maps also allows you to see how the area has changed over time by using the timeline and historical imagery features. Timeline shows you a slider that lets you move back and forth in time and see how the map has been updated with new data. Historical imagery shows you a list of dates when satellite images were taken for the area, which you can select and compare with the current image. These features can help you check if the location data is consistent with the time period of the event, or if there have been any significant changes in the area that could affect the location data. You can access these features by clicking on the clock icon on the bottom left corner of the map.

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Kyra Bryant PhD

Scientist at First Street | Hurricane Storm Surge Modeler
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The historical imagery in Google Maps allows me to see how bodies of water have changed over time. For instance, many lakes in western America have diminished and even vanished during long periods of drought. On the other hand, rivers tend to change their course over time, always taking the path of least resistance. As a hydrologist, keeping track of these changes is important and is made possible on a national scale with Google Maps.

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3 Use coordinates and geocoding

Google Maps also allows you to use coordinates and geocoding to verify the location data. Coordinates are numerical values that represent the latitude and longitude of a point on the map, which can help you pinpoint the exact location of the source. Geocoding is the process of converting an address or a place name into coordinates, which can help you find the location of the source on the map. You can use coordinates and geocoding by entering them in the search box on the top left corner of the map, or by right-clicking on any point on the map and selecting "What's here?".

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Kyra Bryant PhD

Scientist at First Street | Hurricane Storm Surge Modeler
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Coordinates are essential in my daily flood work. While it's easy to type an address in Google Maps to find a location, flood waters move between and beyond addresses, following their own course, with no regards to property lines and parcels. Therefore I need coordinates to communicate where flooding takes places when it's beyond a postal address.

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4 Use directions and distance

Google Maps also allows you to use directions and distance to verify the location data. Directions show you the route and the travel time between two or more points on the map, which can help you check if the location data is plausible or realistic based on the mode of transportation, the traffic conditions, and the road network. Distance shows you the linear distance between two points on the map, which can help you check if the location data is accurate or proportional based on the scale and the perspective of the source. You can use directions and distance by clicking on the directions icon on the top left corner of the map, or by right-clicking on any point on the map and selecting "Measure distance".

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5 Use custom maps and layers

Google Maps also allows you to use custom maps and layers to verify the location data. Custom maps are maps that you can create and edit using your own data, such as markers, shapes, images, or text. Layers are additional information that you can overlay on the map, such as traffic, transit, terrain, or labels. These features can help you add context, compare, or contrast the location data with other sources or data sets. You can use custom maps and layers by clicking on the menu icon on the top left corner of the map, and selecting "Your places" or "More".

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Kyra Bryant PhD

Scientist at First Street | Hurricane Storm Surge Modeler
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Creating custom maps in Google Maps has allowed me to display hurricane tracks over the ocean. Since there are no roads and landmarks in the sea, I can use coordinates and markers to show a hurricane's path and development.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you use Google Maps to verify location data?

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1 Use satellite and street view

2 Use timeline and historical imagery

3 Use coordinates and geocoding

4 Use directions and distance

5 Use custom maps and layers

6 Here’s what else to consider

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