Google has launched a new Google Maps Gallery aimed at making mapping data from governments, nonprofits and businesses more accessible to the public.

Organizations can share and publish their maps online via Google Maps Engine, and have them appear in the gallery.

A Google spokesperson tells WebProNews, “Maps included in the Gallery make it it seamless for citizens and stakeholders to access diverse mapping data, such as locations of municipal construction projects, historic battlefields, population density statistics, deforestation changes and up-to-date emergency evacuation routes. Maps in the Gallery will be available in Google Earth, through the Maps Gallery website and in searches on major search engines, including Google.com.”

“Maps Gallery works like an interactive, digital atlas where anyone can search for and find rich, compelling maps,” says product manager Jordan Breckenridge in a blog post. “Maps included in the Gallery can be viewed in Google Earth and are discoverable through major search engines, making it seamless for citizens and stakeholders to access diverse mapping data, such as locations of municipal construction projects, historic city plans, population statistics, deforestation changes and up-to-date emergency evacuation routes. Organizations using Maps Gallery can communicate critical information, build awareness and inform the public at-large.”

Current partners include: National Geographic Soceity, World Bank Group, U.S. Geological Survey, Florida Emergency Mangagement and City of Edmonton. It should quickly grow, however, as it’s now open to organizations with “content for the public good.”

Image via Google