Creating maps for patch reporting
[googlemaps https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=206113722208153086745.0004993d8088567176f7a&ll=51.504896,-3.205948&spn=0.14959,0.411987&z=11&output=embed&w=600&h=350]
Working the patch, an age-old skill in journalism. You might as a reporter know your patch - but how many people know you are their patch reporter? Are you tucked away on page2 in a little box with a list of other names?
We've re-introduced patch reporting for Cardiff and South Wales at WalesOnline and I created the map above to show where our reporters cover. The great thing about a google map is if people aren't sure they can find their road, click, and the friendly face of their local reporter pops up.
The best thing about the map is it humanises the reporters, makes them quick and easy to find and we can display plenty of contact information. It's better than a dull list (we also made a PDF list available to download though, in-case people or organisations wanted to print it off and stick it on a noticeboard.)
To make one you need to know who covers where, make a list of everyone's phone number, get their mug shots, their email address' and twitter names (if they want them on). Then use the 'shape' drawing tool on a standard google map to create it. Click here for a 'how-to'.
The map proved a hit with over 1,000 views, so, after much discussion in the newsroom, we created a full Wales patch map - showing where our reporters cover across the nation. I've learned a lot about places I struggled to pronounce and now can probably name all our district reporters and know what they look like (being in a central newsroom like Cardiff you don't get chance to meet everyone!).
[googlemaps https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=206113722208153086745.00049a0db3d4e4348c52c&ll=52.409121,-4.031982&spn=2.345767,6.591797&z=7&output=embed&w=600&h=350]
We also had some interesting discussions about whether to include a reporter's twitter username as part of their contact details (if they had one of course). Some were eager to have their twitter handle included, others set up new 'professional' ones and others didn't want it put on.
So, I'd encourage all newsrooms to take a few moments setting up one of these maps (patchwork quilt style) and it's an easy thing to have embedded on the contact us section of your website to show who covers where.
What ways have you used to show who your reporters are and where they cover? Let me know in the comments below