Sunday, September 12, 2010

Where in the World with Google Maps

Find the Landmark

This is fun. Try to see how quickly you can find specific landmarks in this Google Maps mash-up called Find the Landmark. The game tests both your geography and history skills as well as how quickly you can utilize the Google Maps, pan, zoom and centering functions! :)

At the start of the game you are given a landmark which you need to find somewhere in the world. To make a guess you just need to click on the map. If you are incorrect you are told by how many kilometres your guess is wrong. Then for each further guess you are told if you are getting hotter and colder.

Don't take too long making your guesses though as you are playing against the clock. Find the landmark in the shortest time and you will be immortalised in the Find the Landmark high-score table!

A Photo Map of the Boulder Fire

Boulder Fire Aerial Photographs


The Denver Post have created a Google Map of aerial photographs of homes destroyed in the recent Boulder Fire. Staff photographer Joe Amon flew over sections of the Fourmile Canyon Fire area and took photographs of as many of the homes as he could.

The map shows the approximate locations for each of the images. If you click on any of the map markers you can view the photographs directly from the map. The Denver Post has also provided a gallery for the images.

In a nice touch the paper will provide copies of the images to any of the home owners who saw their houses destroyed in the fire.

Instant Search for Google Maps

Google Maps - From 0 to Instant

This week Google released Instant Search. Instant search shows results as you type. It is a faster way to search as your results nearly always appear before you have finished typing. Feross Aboukhadijeh has created a Google Map that also responds to instant search.

As you type into a search bar the application will recommend locations based on what you are typing and centre the map on that location. The recommended locations appear beside the search box. The map will nearly always centre on your desired location before you have actually typed in the entire name of the location.

The application also provides instant driving directions. If you type in a request for 'Location A to Location B' you will receive instant driving directions. The route changes and updates as you type in your locations.

Hat-tip: www.microformats.dk