Last month while researching (poking around) for campus map inspiration, I came across Missouri State’s interactive map, which uses the Google Maps API:

The reach of this particular interactive map doesn’t end with the browser/desktop.  It extends into mobile versions for iPhone and Android:

There are of course, other institutions integrating their mapping projects with Google, and I will list them at the bottom of this post.  But what I most appreciate about Missouri State’s map, is the nice video that Chad Killingsworth (@chadhikes) and the fine folks at the Office of Web and New Media put together about the project:

While the video provides a nice overview, it was obviously produced for a general audience.  As a college web guy, I want the deleted scenes, the nerdy behind the curtain stuff,  the directors cut.   And Chad has given that to us, in the form of several informative blog posts:

(in chronological order)

• Building the JavaScript for the Mobile Campus Map
• Going Mobile – Extending a Maps API Project to Smart Phones
• Google Maps API v3: Developing for Mobile Devices

Not only that, but Chad is giving a presentation called: Making your Campus Map Mobile Friendly at a Penn State Web Conference on June 8.  I wish I could be attend.  Zeldman and Brad J Ward are keynote speakers.

More on Chad’s “mobile maps” presentation:

Using the Google Maps V3 API for custom maps meant to display on iPhones or Android devices as well as the resources necessary to build an effective Campus Map.

Users more and more expect all of your sites to function on their mobile devices. When it comes to maps, they expect them to be interactive and useful on their mobile devices. When a visitor shows up at your parking lot, how do you get them to your admissions office or event location? I will also cover how can you manage a large number of buildings/locations within the confines of a mobile screen.

Leaning how to craft something and doing it well, is a good thing. Extra Extra bonus points for sharing your knowledge. Thanks Chad.

A list of other universities using similar Google’fied maps:

Oregon State:
http://oregonstate.edu/campusmap/

Towson University:
http://www.towson.edu/main/maps/

Rice University:
http://www.rice.edu/maps/maps.html

others?