[OMS_MANAGERS] Cool Map of Businesses

[Kevin Teater]

Darin, those are totally cool uses for this map style. We are going to start using it for our events like you have done with the pianos. I didn't even think about using it for internal maintenance needs or inventory lists.

You all can totally do whatever you want with the instruction list I sent.

Kevin Teater
Executive Director
Beaverton Downtown Association
www.downtownbeaverton.org
PO Box 311
Beaverton, OR 97005
(503) 332-5419
________________________________
From: OMS_MANAGERS <oms_managers-bounces at omls.oregon.gov> on behalf of W Darin Rutledge, Executive Director <darin at downtownklamathfalls.org>
Sent: Tuesday, September 29, 2020 1:18 PM
To: Oregon Main Street program managers <oms_managers at omls.oregon.gov>
Subject: Re: [OMS_MANAGERS] Cool Map of Businesses


Kevin –



Very cool! This is a totally underused tool – I’m so excited some of us have discovered how useful it is, and the instructions are awesome! You don’t even need to be “technically savvy” to create maps with Google. May I share the instructions with other locals who have asked how to put these together?



Also, here are a couple really cool things I wish I had learned sooner:



  1.  You can change the base map for a different view. Choose a streets-only view, several other options including full satellite imagery. The nice thing about this flexibility is you can “hide” Google’s default layer that shows all the businesses and attractions. Compare the background of Kevin’s map to this background<https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1cMdzff5p0Qhm91NPZ0ldZEkmLKkgZpDk&usp=sharing>. To switch it up, go the bottom of the map editing menu and click “Base Map”. Don’t forget to update the default view under the three dots next to the map title.
  2.  You can add custom icons from images (notice the icons on the map at the link above). Use Kevin’s instructions to edit the icon, then click “custom icon”. Upload your own custom image to use as an icon. Great for themed events, using your logo, etc.
  3.  Permissions: Make sure if you are going to send a link directly, you share the map to “Anyone with the link”, even if it’s only as a viewer (click “Share” under the map title to adjust settings). Just because someone has a Google account doesn’t mean they’ll automatically have access to the map. (The way Kevin shared the Beaverton map – embedded in the website vs. sharing the link directly – is less cumbersome unless you want people to be able to share the link to others).
  4.  Two other ideas for handy ways to use these maps:
     *   I use Google Maps to keep track of “downtown stuff” that I want to track internally. Building inventory, maintenance needs, signs, benches, etc. Much easier than using a spreadsheet, and I share the map with City staff when we are talking about maintenance needs and other downtown items so they can see the precise location. Here’s what it looks like: http://bit.ly/KFDowntownInternal
     *   I also use it to create traffic/closure plans for events. It’s much more professional than a hand-drawn map, it’s way easier than editing a PDF or other document, and it’s easy to change when the City comes back with revisions. Here’s a sample<https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/edit?hl=en&mid=1GjhLFUNgt7U_YbLqwKtB6hhL6CHqiSpz&ll=42.227404649649536%2C-121.78004966684688&z=19>.



Cheers!
D



From: OMS_MANAGERS <oms_managers-bounces at omls.oregon.gov> on behalf of Kevin Teater <kevin at downtownbeaverton.org>
Reply-To: Oregon Main Street program managers <oms_managers at omls.oregon.gov>
Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at 10:55 AM
To: Oregon Main Street program managers <oms_managers at omls.oregon.gov>
Subject: [OMS_MANAGERS] Cool Map of Businesses



Hi all, on the call this morning, you all were interested in seeing how to create a business map like the one I shared.



Here is Beaverton's<https://www.downtownbeaverton.org/map>.



I have attached the step-by-step instructions. It's not too difficult. It just takes a bit of time to get it right. Volunteers can do it if you delegate it to the right people.



Kevin Teater

Executive Director

Beaverton Downtown Association

www.downtownbeaverton.org

PO Box 311

Beaverton, OR 97005

(503) 332-5419
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