Creating a personalized map of the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst) can be a useful tool for students, faculty, and visitors to navigate the campus. With the help of online mapping tools and resources, you can create a customized map in just 10 minutes. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to create a personalized map of UMass Amherst, highlighting key locations, buildings, and points of interest.
Step 1: Choose a Mapping Platform
There are several online mapping platforms that you can use to create a personalized map of UMass Amherst, including Google My Maps, Mapbox, and ArcGIS. For this example, we will use Google My Maps, which is a free and user-friendly platform. To get started, go to the Google My Maps website and sign in with your Google account. If you don’t have a Google account, you can create one for free.
Creating a New Map
Once you are signed in, click on the “Create a new map” button to start your personalized map of UMass Amherst. Give your map a title, such as “UMass Amherst Campus Map,” and add a brief description. You can also choose a base map layer, such as the standard Google Maps layer or a satellite imagery layer.
| Mapping Platform | Features |
|---|---|
| Google My Maps | Free, user-friendly, customizable markers and layers |
| Mapbox | Customizable maps, real-time data integration, paid plans available |
| ArcGIS | Advanced mapping features, data analysis tools, paid plans available |
Step 2: Add Key Locations and Buildings
Next, you will add key locations and buildings to your map, such as academic buildings, residence halls, dining facilities, and recreational centers. You can use the search bar to find specific locations on campus or add markers manually by clicking on the map. For example, you can add markers for the following locations:
- W.E.B. Du Bois Library
- Student Union Building
- UMass Amherst Recreation Center
- Commonwealth Honors College
You can also add custom labels and descriptions to each marker, providing additional information about each location.
Customizing Markers and Layers
To make your map more visually appealing and easy to use, you can customize the markers and layers. For example, you can use different colors and icons to differentiate between types of locations, such as academic buildings, residence halls, and dining facilities. You can also add layers to your map, such as a layer for parking lots or a layer for bus routes.
Step 3: Add Points of Interest and Events
In addition to key locations and buildings, you can also add points of interest and events to your map, such as:
- UMass Amherst Museums
- Performance venues, such as the Fine Arts Center
- Recreational facilities, such as the UMass Amherst Golf Course
- Upcoming events, such as concerts, festivals, or sporting events
You can use the Google My Maps event feature to add events to your map, including the date, time, and location of each event.
Sharing and Embedding Your Map
Once you have completed your personalized map of UMass Amherst, you can share it with others or embed it on a website. To share your map, click on the “Share” button and enter the email addresses of the people you want to share it with. You can also use the Google My Maps embedding feature to add your map to a website or blog.
How do I add custom markers to my map?
+To add custom markers to your map, click on the "Add marker" button and select the location where you want to add the marker. You can then customize the marker by adding a label, description, and icon.
Can I add layers to my map?
+By following these steps, you can create a personalized map of UMass Amherst in just 10 minutes. Your customized map can help you navigate the campus, find key locations and buildings, and discover points of interest and events. Whether you are a student, faculty member, or visitor, a personalized map of UMass Amherst can be a valuable tool for exploring and experiencing all that the campus has to offer.
