Mapping Resources
Download a PDF of this documentGoogle My Maps, ArcGIS Online, Carto (free for students) all allow you to geocode a list of addresses or place names as well as drop points manually
Excel or Google Sheets, then load into Google My Maps, ArcGIS Online, Carto
Google My Maps offers the basics, ArcGIS Online offers a bit more
Cartoand ArcGIS Online are good web-based option, ArcGIS and QGIS are the leading desktop softwares
Google My Maps, ArcGIS Online, Carto, in that order, allows for basic to intermediate interactivity
Requires javascript-based solution like Leaflet or Mapbox
Carto is the user-friendly option
Stanford's Palladio is made to do this, but it has limitations. With Carto you can create connecting lines. Alternatively, network software like Gephi can also handle geographic data.
Apps like Carto and ArcGIS Online allow you to load in data and export as a different data type. There are many websites (like this one) that will do this for many types of spatial files, also many command line tools (like this one).
Most turn to the full-service GIS applications, ArcGIS or QGIS. A web-based option is Map Warper.
Can be done for free at smaller download scales through Mapbox and Map Warper
Google My Maps, ArcGIS Online, Carto, and Story Maps are the most user-friendly options, Leaflet or Mapbox for those willing to work with javascript
Simple maps can be created in many web apps, but for higher quality prints for publication software like ArcGIS or QGIS is recommended with potential post-editing in software like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. You can consult Color Brewer for customizable advice on coloring your map.
The GIS Librarian maintains a guide for finding spatial data. This is a good place to start!