Build a map infographic with Google Maps & JavaScript

In the blog post, Mark McDonald from the Google GeoDevelopers Team introduces the data layer feature in the Google Maps JavaScript API, which now supports GeoJSON and declarative styling, allowing for the creation of visually appealing data visualizations on Google Maps. The example provided demonstrates how to build an interactive map infographic that combines shape outlines from a Google Maps Engine table with population data from the US Census API to create a choropleth map. This map allows users to select and display various census data variables, with the map updating to shade US regions proportionally to the census values. The map's functionality relies on loading polygons via the Maps Engine API and querying the US Census Data API, with styling achieved through a Data.StyleOptions object and interactive elements responding to mouse activity for enhanced user engagement. The blog encourages users to explore the Google Maps Engine for storing geospatial data in the cloud and directs readers to further documentation and community resources for additional guidance.