Google My Maps
Google My Maps is a free online tool that allows users to create custom Google Maps. Users can quickly and easily produce detailed maps by adding directions and color-coded location markers, labeling points of interest, and drawing lines to indicated boarders or routes. Users can also import data in a variety of formats. The information can be sorted into layers for ease of review. The finished maps can be shared via email or social media or saved to the Google Drive cloud storage and viewed on mobile devices.
ArcGIS Explorer Desktop
ArcGIS Explorer Desktop is a free desktop viewer that allows users to explore and share GIS information. An updated version of ArcGIS Explorer Desktop was recently released and includes several new features including tools for creating and editing presentations, new text options including map text and overlay text, attribute display, improved pop-ups with the ability to be sized and positioned, advanced search options, and custom basemap gallery support. The new version also has increased portability meaning that it is not necessary to locally install the Explorer Desktop; instead this application can be run from a thumb drive.
Google My Maps vs ArcGIS Explorer Desktop
On the surface, it appears as if Google My Maps and ArcGIS Explorer Desktop have very similar compatibles. However, from my personal experience, Google My Maps is a better tool for creating custom maps especially for new users. Google My Maps is very user-friendly and can be easily accessed online via any computer or mobile device. ArcGIS Explorer Desktop must be downloaded and is not compatible with Mac OS X. Google My Maps automatically saves new maps and edits to Google Drive and updates maps embedded on websites. ArcGIS Explorer Desktop does support a wider range of file formats including geospatial database files and shapefiles.
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