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Via 10,000 Words:

Quick ways to create a online map mashup have already been covered here, but as online maps become more sophisticated, so are the tools used to create them. The following are free tools that have additional functionality beyond point-and-click mapping, but are still relatively easy to use.

Read the full article. Also from 10,000 Words:

5 Interactive maps that connect communities (March 12, 2009)

Online maps are great tools for bringing together communities, whether they are on the same block or across the world. Here are some examples of how its being done.

10 Mind-blowing maps (and 3 ways to create them) (August 28, 2008 )

8 Beautifully Designed Maps (June 06, 2008)

With so many websites using Google Maps to create mashups, a lot of online maps are starting to look the same. But there are a few who are addressing both form and function to create maps that are both eye-catching and useful.

Explore the Earth with online maps (June 02, 2008)

Judging by the number of map-related posts at 10,000 Words, it has become increasingly clear that they are essential tool in the multimedia journalist’s arsenal. Plus “cartographer” looks good on anyone’s résumé.

5 Ways to create a Google Map in minutes (April 08, 2008)

Breaking news stories are greatly enriched when paired with Google Maps. Car accidents, natural disasters, rallies and speeches, celebrity sightings and more all benefit from a small map that indicates their location. The Google Maps API is a great tool if you’d had experience using it, but there are a number of third-party applications that streamline the map-building process and facilitate and quicker move to the web when time is a factor. Below are some of the best tools for creating worry-free Google Maps.

And here are all the map-related posts on 10,000 Words.

In the last few years, file-sharing sites have grown in popularity and the recently-launched Upload Robots service is a ‘new breed’ among file sharing services, and once it becomes more well-known, it’s going to be a huge hit. It’s all part of what’s known as cloud computing. Think of Upload Robots like a virtual thumbdrive that can’t be lost.

Most people who need to share files want to do so quickly and easily with a minimum of fuss. Sometimes, it’s just not practical to email a large file, or one runs up against file-size restrictions or account timeouts. And not everyone has an FTP program on the computer they’re using which may not even be theirs - they may be using a work or school computer, or even be at a public library - let alone server space to which they can upload a file.

Visually pleasing and easy-to-use, UploadRobots.com offers two account flavours: Regular (free) and Pro ($5.00 a month). Both offer SSL Encryption, no advertisements and uploaded files don’t have expiration dates. The Pro account’s additional features include the ability to create subdomains, increased monthly storage space, up ten gigs, and users can upload a file as large as 250 megs which is substantially more than the ten megs limit offered with a free account.

A major distinction which elevates Upload Robots - and separates the service from its competitors - is the ‘no-wait’ feature. Most file-sharing sites require users who are not members or who are not logged in to wait before the file they’ve requested begins to download. This delay can be anywhere from thirty to ninety seconds. Also, if a visitor wants to download a second file, they’re often forced to wait as long as fifteen minutes between downloads.

Download this post as an .mp3 file (3m18s, 3.02 megs) from the Upload Robots site. Links of interest: Feature Tour, Blog, Sign Up, Twitter: @UploadRobots. And here is a video tour: