Google Maps as a reporting platform

British students protesting higher tuition prices have decided to use Google Maps as an online reporting tool.

The map and the chronology of protests and clashes with the police are combined on the “What's going on?” Page

. What are the important differences between the resulting maps:

• The actions of the protesters and the police are marked on the map - the overall picture is immediately visible.
• Labels on the map are assigned clear icons - it’s clear who-where.
• Event tags are not only indicated on the map, but also sorted by time - you get a news feed.
• Everyone can inform the organizers about the event - a collective report is obtained.

And most importantly - Google technology allows you to build such a "news site" in half an hour.