'Mashups' offer maps, a lot more
By Kim Komando
In the past few years, map sites have really taken off. Google, MSN and Yahoo all offer maps and driving directions. You can find local businesses and view satellite images. But that's just the beginning.
Explore the Internet, and you'll find "mashups." These sites combine data with maps. They help you visualize and sort the data. Some mashups let you add points of interest and other information.
You can trace avian flu outbreaks or see where news events are happening. Other maps show photos or help you measure distances. Here is a sampling of mashups:
Predators are categorized by offense. Pictures and descriptions offer more help. You may be surprised by the number of predators in your neighborhood.
Click on an event to learn more about it. You'll see the date and a description. You can click through to read news stories.
http://Gmap-Pedometer.com is a little simpler. You can plan walks or runs. Map your routes and calculate distances. Both sites let you export your maps to GPS units.
http://ToEat.com lists various types of restaurants nationwide. Narrow your searches by food type and read reviews of restaurants. Have something to say? Add your review!
But, in many areas, Craigslist is the preferred way to find housing. This classifieds site lists homes for rent and for sale.
http://HousingMaps.com combines Craigslist and Google maps. You'll see the locations of real estate listings. You can narrow results by price or other criteria. Click through to read the postings on Craigslist.
Some mashup sites take a lighter approach. They're just about having fun.
Interested in aviation? Try Goggles at www.isoma.net/games/goggles.html. You can fly a plane over satellite images of several cities!
Or visit Mindpicnic's Google Maps Quiz (www.mindpicnic.com/maps-quiz). It presents a satellite image, which you must locate on the map. It can be humbling.
But wait! There's more!
Want more mashups? Do a Web search for whatever you're trying to find. Include "map" as a search term. You'll probably find a site that has what you need. Some focus on a specific geographic area.
Contact Kim Komando at gnstech@gns.gannett.com.
