OAKLAND, Calif. — Whether it be the regions that represent prime areas for renewable energy projects or the flow of TARP funds to banks across the country, a variety of groups are increasingly turning to Google maps to help users access and distill information.

Just this week, for example, National Audubon Society and the Natural Resources Defense Council launched a map of 13 western states that highlights which areas should and shouldn't be considered for renewable energy generation development as part of a project called Path to Green Energy.

Six states, the map shows, are considered ideal for wind power, including Wyoming, Montana, Utah, Colorado, North Dakota and South Dakota. Areas that are legally restricted or that should be avoided because of wildlife or fragile resources are highlighted.

Also this week, the Treasury Department unveiled its own Google map that displays nationwide TARP recipients to give Americans the chance to see, literally, where their tax dollars are going, according to Google's Dan Martin. He also points out how California Congresswoman Doris Matsui is using  Google map to illustrate how federal stimulus dollars are flowing into her Sacramento-area district.

Aside from letting users map their public routes using Google maps or seeing how climate change will impact various geographies, here are others ways to use the feature to map environmental attributes: Environmental Defense Fund maps 1,200 companies that may benefit from climate change legislation;  Sundance Channel's "Eco-mmunity" maps that use Google technology to help users find green businesses and activists; Walk Score ranks neighborhoods across the country to assign scores based on which are easiest to get around on foot.