Using Google for Effective Research

Google Maps can be a valuable research tool for exploring geographic, cultural, and historical contexts.

Researchers use it to analyze spatial relationships, visualize locations, track changes over time with Street View, and explore local infrastructure, demographics, or environmental features. It’s quite useful in fields like urban studies, history, environmental science, and public health. Custom maps and layers can also be created to support data visualization and storytelling.

Project Examples Using Google Maps

Urban Studies & Planning
Project: Analyze walkability and public transit access in different neighborhoods.
Use: Measure distances, identify transit routes, and visualize infrastructure using Street View and satellite imagery.

Environmental Science
Project: Track changes in land use or vegetation over time.
Use: Compare historical satellite images, map deforestation, or monitor urban sprawl.

History & Cultural Studies
Project: Reconstruct historical routes or explore cultural landmarks.
Use: Overlay historical maps, use Street View to examine preserved architecture, or geotag archival photos.

Public Health
Project: Map access to healthcare facilities in rural vs. urban areas.
Use: Identify clinic locations, calculate travel times, and visualize geographic disparities.

Business & Marketing
Project: Analyze retail location strategies or customer demographics.
Use: Map competitor locations, assess foot traffic, and explore neighborhood profiles.

Geography & GIS
Project: Create custom maps to visualize spatial data.
Use: Use My Maps to layer data points, draw boundaries, and share interactive maps.

Google Earth is a powerful tool that lets you explore the planet through high-resolution satellite imagery, 3D terrain, and interactive maps. It’s available as a web app, mobile app, and downloadable desktop program (Google Earth Pro).

Why Use Google Earth for Research?
Researchers use Google Earth to:

• Visualize geographic data in 3D.
• Track environmental changes like deforestation, glacial retreat, or urban expansion.
• Explore historical imagery to compare landscapes over time.
• Create custom maps with annotations, paths, and layers.
• Study terrain and elevation for geological or ecological research.
• Support storytelling with geospatial context in fields like history, anthropology, and journalism.

Google Earth Pro also allows for advanced features like importing GIS data, measuring distances and areas, and recording guided tours.