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Archiver > GenTips > 2006-05 > 1148598638


From: "Terry Young" <>
Subject: Use Microsoft's new free mapping system for family history
Date: Thu, 25 May 2006 19:10:38 -0400


The following is from the page at http://expertgenealogy.com/locallive.htm

Microsoft has a new free mapping system at http://local.live.com. This is a
fantastic new tool for genealogist, analogous to the old pushpins on a map
but with many advantages of a computer system. As you hover over a pushpin,
a pop-up appears where you can include your own text and graphics and you
can also add a 'More info...' link to another web page. You can provide
your own text and picture of ancestors or other family history information.
Visit the family history example shown at
http://expertgenealogy.com/locallive.htm

To create a map like this visit http://local.live.com and register a
password for Windows Live! You will then be able to login and create your
own customized map. You can add pushpins to the map, but the real benefit is
the ability to save your work in what Microsoft calls a Collection. Make
sure that you save your collection periodically or your work could be lost.
Unfortunately, this is still a beta test system and it has bugs.

Once you have you information saved, you can share it with your friends and
relatives. Microsoft provides menu items to share your map collection by
email, with Messenger, or by posting a link on a blog or web page as in the
example above.

The maps can be viewed as a road map or an aerial view. The aerial view lets
you identify individual houses where you can add your pushpin and family
history notes. You can identify homes, farms, cemeteries and associate your
own text, picture and web page. You can even get direction instructions for
travel to these locations. This is great for planning a family history road
trip.

This will give you a sense of the geography and proximity of various family
history events.

This is fun, informative and free.

Enjoy!!

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