| I can see my house from here |
[Jul. 26th, 2005|03:28 pm] |
Some people like my fellow blogger Drew say that Google Maps is useless for a lot of mapping stuff, because it doesn't include stuff like motorway exits. But the real benefit in the long term isn't the maps themselves; it is the ability to fold your own data into the Google maps experience, thanks to its use of XML documents as part of what has come to be known as the Ajax programming model. It becomes possible to create your own data overlays with this technology. Here's an example article about someone who did just that, hooking up pictures and descriptions of buildings from a 1906 Los Angeles tour guide. This search provides more how-to articles and examples.
With this new breed of Ajax-based sites, it's not the service that's particularly important -- it's the extensibility of the service. So when people say that Google Maps is shite because it doesn't include motorway exits, they're missing the point entirely. If someone cares enough about something to add it in, they can.
The whole mapping thing got a lot more interesting with the respective launch of satellite imagery-based mapping services operated by Google and Microsoft. Clearly, Microsoft is using older data than Google, judging by the nose thumbing over Microsoft 'deleting' Apple's HQ in Cupertino.
We just checked out our house on the Google Maps site (no, don't be daft, I'm not going to point out which one it is so that Internet stalkers can come and kidnap our dog) and we noticed that a building that has been there for decades and which was knocked down two weeks ago...isn't there! So I guess Google must be using some pretty up-to-date data. Certainly more up to date than Microsoft's anyway - and more comprehensive. Here's Microsoft Virtual Earth's best shot of the few blocks surrounding my area. Thanks guys. Maybe it'll be better when it's finally outta beta (even though Google Maps is still 'in beta', too, and probably will be for, oh, as long as they feel like keeping it there). |
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| More Google Maps hackery |
[Jul. 26th, 2005|03:57 pm] |
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Cellphone tower search, from Mobiledia. This is an interesting one - I wonder how many 'environmental solutions' it would identify? 'Environmental solutions' is mobile phone company-speak for disguised mobile phone masts, often hidden in everything from flagpoles to casings on the side of buildings, and even trees. |
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