Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Google Maps Mashups

What's a mashup? [from Wikipedia]
  <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mashup_%28web_application_hybrid%29>
"In technology, a mashup is a web application that combines data from
 more than one source into a single integrated tool; an example is the
 use of cartographic data from Google Maps to add location information
 to real-estate data from Craigslist"

As some of you know, I work for Carbon Planet: "the leading climate
change company, offering business advice and personal solutions for
today's carbon economy." [from the CP web site]

Recently I developed a flight emission calculator for the Carbon Planet
web site.  You enter in flight details (e.g. departure and arrival) and
it estimates the greenhouse gas emissions.  I started a Google Maps
mashup version, which shows the flights entered on a zoomable map:
  <http://www.carbonplanet.com/shop_flight_emissions_calculator/map>

To try it, enter some flights details, click on "Add Flight to List",
then click on "Show trip map" and go to top of page to see the map.  It
needs some obvious user interface improvements, but hopefully they'll
happen over time.

Enough shameless self-promotion.  Here are some links to cool Google
Maps mashups ...

1. Loc.alize.us Photo Map
  <http://loc.alize.us/>
Find photos taken at specific locations around the world.

2. Ask the world > maps
  <http://www.asktheworld.org/maps/>
Has a few topical mashups.

3. Global Incident Map
  <http://www.globalincidentmap.com/home.php>
"displaying terrorist acts, suspicious activity, and general terrorism
 news"

4. placeSpotting.com | The online map game
  <http://www.placespotting.com/>
Search the globe for the featured places.

5. gruvr
  <http://gruvr.com/>
Live bands in your area (they know where you are)

6. Google Maps Mania
  <http://googlemapsmania.blogspot.com/>
"An unofficial Google Maps blog tracking the websites, mashups and tools
 being influenced by Google Maps."

7. Cool Google Maps
  <http://coolgooglemaps.blogspot.com/>
"Who knew maps could be fun?" - another Google Maps blog.

8. "100 Things to do with Google Maps Mashups"
  <http://gmapsmania.googlepages.com/100thingstodowithgooglemapsmashups>