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A number of organizations offer public map data through Google Maps, but finding it can be tricky -- if you even know it exists. That may not be an issue now that Google has just launched its Maps Gallery. The web portal showcases location info from both Google and a slew of its Maps Engine partners, ranging from the World Bank's internet usage stats to National Geographic's historical overlays. This is really just the start of the search firm's map discovery efforts, though. Google tells TechCrunch that it wants to surface public maps in regular search results, and it would also like to draw attention to Maps Engine Lite data created by amateur cartographers.

The National Public Toilet Map (the Toilet Map) shows the location of more than 14,000 public and private public toilet facilities across Australia. Details of toilet facilities can also be found along major travel routes and for shorter journeys as well. Useful information is provided about each toilet, such as location, opening hours, availability of baby change rooms, accessibility for people with disabilities and the details of other nearby toilets.

Findery is a community site on which anyone can share a short story about any location on the globe. Findery uses Google Maps as its base so in a way it is really just a public, collaborative Google Map. To make a contribution to Findery just sign-in, pick a location, and start typing your story. Your story can also include pictures and video clips. You can make your stories public or private on Findery.

CrowdSpot is a practical and inclusive web-based tool designed to complement the planning process for public space improvements. CrowdSpot is also great for research and knowledge sharing projects. Let's say a Council is interested in finding out which of 10 possible bicycle infrastructure projects the public values most. CrowdSpot is able to highlight a map of the municipality, with the projects identified. Members of the public simply vote on the project/s they value most. The CrowdSpot team provide a detailed analysis of the data, including visualisations, to assist Council make the best decision possible.

Tableau Public is a free application that brings data to life. Create and share interactive charts and graphs, stunning maps, live dashboards and fun applications in minutes then publish anywhere on the web. Anyone can do it, it's that easy-and it's free.

"Derrick Waddell created a Facebook template for historical figures to leverage student interest. This template, available through the Google Docs public template gallery, asks students to complete a Facebook profile for famous people throughout history with a place for pictures, an "about me" section, a friends column, and a map to plot the travels of historical figures. It will not result in an actual Facebook account being created."

Amazing concept, building on what some teachers probably already managed to do with a pencil and paper worksheets but with an online language that some students will be already familiar with.

"The animals found in the south eastern Australian State of Victoria are unique and diverse. Detailed descriptions of animals, maps of distribution, and endangered species status combine with stunning imagery and sounds to provide a valuable reference that can be used in urban, bush and coastal environments. The content has been developed by scientists at Museum Victoria, Australia's largest public museum organisation. The app holds descriptions of over 700 species encompassing birds, fishes, frogs, lizards, snakes, mammals, freshwater, terrestrial and marine invertebrates, spiders, and insects including butterflies. From animals found in rockpools, minibeasts in your garden, to wildlife you might see in the bush. We've put in a lot of species, but it's still a fraction of the complete fauna of Victoria. Our scientists will continue to add additional species and refine descriptions over time."