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Exciting Google Maps Update!

September 4, 2007
Exciting Google Maps Update!

We've just launched an updated version of Google Maps that not only shows you where eBird birding hotspots and your personal locations are found on the map, but it also allows you to select these for data entry directly from the map! With over 15,000 hotspots now in our database, you should be able to easily find an exciting birding location near you and efficiently contribute your data. If your local hotspots still aren't there, you can always map them and send them on to us through our hotspot suggestion interface. Plotting new locations on the map still works like it used to, but the added bonus of selecting hotspots should make data entry even easier. Read more by clicking the Google Map.

We've just updated our existing Google Maps interface to include hotspots and personal locations. Now when you use our "Find it using Google Maps" option you can not only plot new locations on the map, but choose from existing locations including over 15,000 eBird Hotspots and your own personal locations.

Here's how it works

Go to "Submit Observations" and then choose "Find it using Google Maps." Then enter your city, county, or state and click continue. In the example below we've chosen California as the state.

Google Map

The map uses clustering technology to show groups of hotspots and personal locations. These groups are denoted by the red and blue markers containing "+" symbols. When you click on any of those markers, you automatically zoom in to the desired area, and it shows you a new level of detail. Continue to zoom in until you see only red and blue markers without the "+" symbols. This means you're now seeing all the locations we have to offer.

Google Map

Once you're satisfied that you're sufficiently zoomed in, you can select any of these location for data entry by simply clicking on them. In this example we're choosing "Asilomar State Beach" for data entry. When you click on an existing location the location name automatically appears in the text box above the map. To enter data for this location simply click "Continue." To select another location simply click on another red or blue marker.

Google Map

For new locations click once on the map and a new red marker will appear. You can then name the location by typing its name into the text box above the map. If the location is a birding "Hotspot", check the box that says "Suggest as birding hotspot."

Caveats

While this is a huge improvement in our ability to share hotspot information with our users, you will notice that some hotspots have duplicate entries. We are aware of this and are working on a comprehensive solution to this problem. If you notice a hotspot that is represented on the map twice, choose the one that is closest geographically to the location where you went birding. We'll be performing consolidation of these duplicate hotspots slowly over the coming months so please bear with us.

In the meantime, enjoy this new tool!

Team eBird