Top 3 Digital Map Tools To Try In Your Classroom!

Top 3 Digital Map Tools To Try In Your Classroom! 

Recently, while scrolling through TikTok, I came across a great video explaining a new digital mapping tool that I have never heard of before.  Along with this new mapping tool, let me also share with you 2 other great mapping tools I've used with students in the classrooms before.  

1.  The first mapping tool I've recently enjoyed learning about is a digital mapping tool called MapChart.  Mapchart is a great tool to create custom colored United States and/or World maps.  Here are some of your options in regards to maps that you can choose from:

After you choose the map you want to edit, you'll have the ability to color each state or country, create a custom legend, and much more.  Below is an example of a "my life" map that I created in about 3 minutes for this blog post (meaning that it's easy to use, especially for your students!)

According to the key I created for this map, blue states are states that I've lived in, green states are states that I've visited before, and orange states are states that I've never visited before.  The website, Mapchart, allows you to create these detailed, custom maps from real map templates.  Create custom maps with your students, color states different colors to highlight different states and/or countries.  You could also create your own political map with the midterm elections coming up next week.  Each state can be broken up into counties:

 2. The second digital mapping tool that I love using with students is Google My Maps. Not only is it from Google, but it's an amazing tool to create custom maps with students!  Choose locations and add them to your custom map.  Create custom directions, locations, drop pins, and detailed maps with using Google My Maps.  

3. Finally, on a more creative and fantasy side of digital mapping,  Inkarnate is a great digital mapping website where you can create fun, creative fantasy maps.  Add land, water, mountains, trees, and much more detail to these custom fantasy maps.  Great for your geography and/or ELAR classes.  Create a fantasy story to go along with your custom maps that you create in Inkarnate.  

About the author of this post:
	Tommy Spall, M.ED.  Follow me on Twitter and Instagram: @tommyspall Instructional Technology Specialist (Prek - 4) Contact Email: tspall@brenhamk-12.net Site: bisdwired.net Blog: bit.ly/bisdwired