Posted by Adam Kovacevich, Manager, Global Communications and Public Affairs

Late last week, Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson unveiled his own twist on Google's new My Maps feature: a video- and photo-filled geographic tour of his recent visit to Iraq.

Sen. Nelson's map helps bring his Iraq trip alive, from video shot aboard a C-130 carrier jet, to meeting with the Iraqi Deputy President. You can follow his map either on Google Maps, or export the file into KML to view in Google Earth.

Our users have created lots of cool personalized maps since My Maps launched last month, but this is the first time we've seen a Member of Congress use our technology in this way. All in all, it's a pretty creative and compelling way for an elected official to communicate with his constituents, and hopefully more Senators and House members will follow Sen. Nelson's lead.