Map of Top 100 Websites Worldwide
This Google Map shows the top 100 websites in the world by location. The map displays the 100 most popular websites in the world according to unique user counts (source Google).
The websites are organised by category, for example 'social networks', 'video' etc. It is possible to search the map by location or use the links at the bottom of the map to search by category.
A really nice feature of the map is the clustering of the map markers. Not only does each clustered marker show the number of markers at the location it features a nice pie chart that represents the percentage of each website category at the location.
Mail to Foreign Destinations
One of the best things about the Google Maps API is that it is so simple to use. It is not only used by professional web designers but by anyone who has something they wish to map. This Google Map is a perfect example of how individuals can use Google Maps to enhance their own interests and hobbies.
This stamp collector's Google Map shows the locations that all the U.S. Second Bureau stamps in his collection were sent to.
The Second Bureau stamps were in use from 1902 to 1910. The map was created to show all the locations around the world that the stamps were sent to. If you click on the red map markers you can view an image of the letter or postcard sent to the indicated location.
HyperCities Egypt
You may be getting a little bored of Twitter and Google Maps mashups that display real-time reactions to the developing political situation in Egypt but this new map from UCLA offers something new.
Like other Twitter maps HyperCities allows you to view the latest Tweets from Egypt on a Google Map. However this application also allows you to go back in time and view a stream of Twitter messages from Egypt for any day since the beginning of February. It is also possible to search the archived Tweets for any keyword.
Twitter Dots
Twitter Dots is a nice stylised Google Map that shows Twitter messages around the world. Each day a new keyword is used to display on the map. Today the map is showing Tweets that mention 'Iran'.
The map shows the worldwide distribution of Tweets mentioning the keyword of the day. You can click on any of the Twtter Dots displayed on the map to read the Tweet displayed.
The Twitter Dots blog has also done a little analysis of some of the data produced by the maps. This analysis includes a video looking at the distribution of Tweets mentioning 'good morning' over 24 hours and another video displaying the distribution of tweets mentioning Mubarak on Feb 10th.
Red Bull Street View Art
Red Bull are using Google Maps and Google Street View to present a crowd-sourced map of street art from around the world.
Using the map you can search for graffiti directly from the map and click on the map markers to view a Street View image of the art. The site includes quick links to the 'most viewed' and the 'latest additions' to the map. There are also quick links to works by popular graffiti artists such as Banksy and Keith Haring.
Adding your own finds to the map is very easy. It just involves finding the right location on the map and dragging the Street View to grab the best shot of the street art that you wish to submit.
Graffiti Maps From the Archives
Via: Street View Funny
Ya Puedes Pagar tu Predial
The Municipal de Mazatlán in México have used Google Maps to show all the locations where citizens can pay their property tax.
Users of the map can select from a list of the locations that will accept property tax payments and then view the location on a Google Map and in Street View. The full address of each listing is also displayed beside the map.
Citizens of Mazatlán may not like paying their taxes but I think they will appreciate the usability and design of this Google Map.
Crime Maps
The Guardian have teamed up with SpatialKey to create a great Google Maps application that allows you to compare crime statistics in two different UK locations or compare two different crime statistics at the same location.
The application places two Google Maps side by side. You can enter two different locations and compare December's crime statistics as a heat map at each location. You can select from a number of crime categories and can even compare the statistics for two different categories at the same location.
The crime is displayed in the form of a heat map. If you roll-over either map the total crime at the specific location is shown in figures. If you click on the map an information window opens displaying the designated location from which the crime statistics were collected.
Egypt in Tweets
This great application for viewing Tweets related to the Egyptian protests was released at the height of the crisis at the beginning of last week. Unfortunately, I spent last week incommunicado (I had a great week skiing in the French Alps, thanks for asking) so I'm posting this a little late. However now that Mubarak has resigned it is a great resource for keeping up-to-date with the emerging new political forces and new government.
The application shows geo-coded Tweets related to Egypt on a Google Map. The Tweets are colour-coded by hashtag, for example #tahrir, #cairo and #freedom. The latest Tweets are also streamed across the bottom of the map, which means you can read the latest news from the Twittersphere in real-time directly from the map.
YourTour
YourTour aims to be your personal digital travel agent by helping you create personalised travel itineraries in France, Spain and Florida, in just 15 seconds!
After answering a few basic questions about your trip (like when and where you want to go), you will receive a recommended tour proposal. The proposal includes a detailed itinerary of tourist attractions and hotel accommodations, all displayed on Google Maps.
You can specify your preferences (budget, activity types, specific attractions or hotels, etc.) and receive an updated, more personalised tour proposal. Once you are happy with your tour you can even book all of the hotels in a single click.
