Thanks for asking. I'm still groping my way along in using Google maps on the thread and need feedback on what is working, what isn't, and what's confusing.
The intent of the map is reflect "case information" laid out against the context of geography. That "case information" needn't be established fact or even clearly linked to the case. We sometimes map information that might be wrong or irrelevant just because we're talking about it on the thread. In the Knutson & Bedwell map, we even mapped member's suggestions about which areas should be searched, at least to the extent that the stretches of road involved could be identified. The map is supposed to serve as the white board that we scribble on to communicate with the rest of the room.
From a "how to" standpoint, a case map can be opened by anyone with a link to it. The link won't change, even as the maps themselves grow and evolve. The Knutson & Bedwell map's sharing choices have been set so that anyone with the link can also 'edit' the map. It's my hope that thread participants will use the access to share information more clearly, quickly and directly than I can manage on my own.
It takes a bit of fumbling around, at first, to edit a Google map, but not much. This screen shot gives the first steps in adding a map marker:
View attachment 75239
I'll look around for a good set of instructions on how to work a Google map, but plunging in is probably a decent alternative. Here is a link to a Google map with a couple of features already on it that has been set up as a practice map. Use it to teach yourself how to add or alter map markers and lines without fear of damage.
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=z_XRj_yu3Dto.k2BQkWT167Fc
Please let me know if this gets at the questions you had or if you have others.
