Putting Google Maps to Good Use

Fascinating! I have never used the "RedViewer" software (or whatever it is called) that the state actually uses for redistricting, but the advance of Google and other online maps since 2001 when the last redistricting makes me wonder if RedViewer had, has or will have the same features.

Regardless of that, what you've done above shows that Google Maps will certainly be a good tool come redistricting next cycle. I've never liked the maps that come down from the state level to show detail for congressional districts and the like, and it will be nice to know that some can be created with more detail.

I do have one question (and this may show my ignorance of Google maps because the most I've done with them is use them to highlight voting locations): I notice that you've got a number of precincts that "split the difference" on 610. Did you just do a "best guess" at dropping the line in the middle of 610, or is there a way to make the line be accurately at the splitting point?

Harris County offers pretty good, detailed precinct maps online. That's what I work off of for the home territory. There's still an ounce of fudge factor at work, though. Some lines are intended to run alongside the middle, or side of roads & highways. In general, if there's no human population affected and any question about where the line should be, I opt for as close as I can get to the middle of it.