The Resource
Have some data stuck in a spreadsheet? Google Fusion Tables are a way to transform tabular data into visual representations–and if your spreadsheet has some geospatial data attached, you can map it–for free. There are many tutorials and examples of Fusion Tables on the internet, but a great place to start is directly with Google. They provide example data and step-by-step instructions, and start you with the basics. They also provide tutorials to expand your capabilities when you’re ready.
The Technology
Google Fusion Tables are cloud-based, meaning all you need is internet access and a web browser. Data can be imported from existing spreadsheets (like Microsoft Excel, Apache OpenOffice, or LibreOffice) or created online from scratch using Google Sheets. Users sign up for a free Google account (or use an existing one, like Gmail) to get started. All data is stored on Google Drive and can be posted online, shared with others for collaboration or storytelling.
Learn More
Tutorials to Get Started More Tutorials from Google Examples
