The Slaving Voyages KML in GoogleMaps

GoogleMaps can also be used directly, without using Map Engine Lite to upload a spreadsheet for each layer. To create a map of the slaving voyages for the second half of the eighteenth century, go to GoogleMaps, select My Places, and then Create Map. Next, either upload the compressed KML file (KMZ)  generated with GoogleMaps (see previous post) or enter the URL for its location on GoogleSites. It, in theory, is then rendered over the default GoogleMaps content such as Wikipedia and photo links. The base map can also be changed to the  satellite or GoogleEarth view within GoogleMaps, but the time slider is not enabled.

In practice, the KML file uploads but does not render the voyages all at once or in chronological order. The voyages display in twenty-five separate "layers." By opening the map in GoogleMaps by clicking the link below the embeded version, users can advance through the layers with the index at the foot of the panel that displays daily position symbols, dates, and TSTD links.

View The Slaving Voyages KML in GoogleMaps in a larger map

Opening the Web map with GoogleMaps also allows users to save it to their own My Places and modify it in various ways such as adding the commonly used place markers or pushpins as well as lines and polygons or descriptive attributes in pop ups.