Ggmap

TL;DR

• R package for accessing and visualizing spatial data from Google Maps.
• Provides functions for map visualizations, geocoding addresses, and accessing various Google Maps data layers.
• Enables plotting (for example heatmaps) to reveal spatial patterns useful for tasks like hotspot identification and itinerary planning.

Definition

Ggmap is an R package that allows users to access and visualize spatial data from Google Maps. The package provides functions for creating map visualizations, geocoding addresses, and accessing various layers of data from Google Maps.

Explanation

Ggmap supplies tools to retrieve spatial data from Google Maps and plot it within R. Core capabilities described in the source include creating map visualizations, converting addresses to latitude and longitude via geocoding, and accessing different layers of Google Maps data for use in analyses and visual displays.

Examples

Heatmap of crime incidents

Using Ggmap, a user can specify a location of interest, retrieve data on crime incidents within that area, and plot those incidents as a heatmap. The heatmap visualization shows concentrations of crime incidents across parts of the area and can help law enforcement agencies identify hot spots and deploy resources accordingly.

Map of popular tourist attractions

Ggmap’s geocoding function can convert addresses of popular tourist destinations into latitude and longitude coordinates. Those coordinates can then be plotted on a map using Ggmap’s plotting functions, enabling tourism boards or individual travelers to plan itineraries and visualize the locations of different attractions.

Use cases

• Law enforcement agencies identifying hot spots and allocating resources based on spatial concentration of incidents.
• Tourism boards or individual travelers planning itineraries and visualizing tourist attraction locations.
• Anyone working with spatial data who needs access to Google Maps basemaps, geocoding, and plotting functions.