Street View - Gran Canaria & Tenerife.

Street View - Gran Canaria & Tenerife. (Hawaii too)

Gran Canaria

Tenerife

Don't Forget the 50th State of the United States too. Hawaii

Google Street View Mexico Arrives

Google Street View Mexico Arrives



Mexico City
Monterrey
Guadalajara
Puerto Vallarta
Cancun
Playa del Carmen
Cozumel

nice views on the Google Maps Mania Blog
http://googlemapsmania.blogspot.com/2009/11/mexico-gets-street-view.html

Network West Midlands - Live Bus, Train and Metro Map

Network West Midlands - Live Bus, Train and Metro Map


Interactive Travel Map - this is information overlaid on to Google Maps showing live information from http://www.networkwestmidlands.co.uk/

The Interactive Live Map shows:

• Bus stops (real time bus timetables, where available) rail stations (train departure and arrival times) and Metro stops.
• See forthcoming departures (live for rail and bus)
• Link through to full timetables relevant for each station and stop
• See the 8-letter bus stop code for a particular bus stop.
  

The map functions:

• Search box Type a road, town or village, postcode, bus stop name or bus stop code list matching bus stop results in the left panel.
• Map top strip Tick/untick a checkbox to show/hide those map icons.
• Map & markers You can pan, zoom and scroll using your mouse and the Google map controls (and the small map view in the bottom right-hand corner).
• Left side links Select Rail or Metro to list local rail or metro stops
• Left panel Bus stops matching your search are displayed as lists of links.
• Quicklist Moves the map to an locality on the drop-down list.
  

View the Live Interactive Map
http://netwmtravelmap.com/

OpenStreetMap Data 'On Demand' with Quantum GIS 'Mimas'

OpenStreetMap Data 'On Demand' with Quantum GIS 'Mimas'

Updated 07/11/2009

Getting the data you want.

One of the hardest things about OpenStreetMap [#OSM] is getting access to the data you want and for the location you require.
You can download large files for entire regions or countries, but why only if your going to use a small amount.
CloudMade gives you this by country. http://downloads.cloudmade.com/

Here is a solution - All software is FREE and Open Source so no excuses.


Viewing styled (Automatically) Open Street Map Data in Quantum GIS 'Mimas' [QGIS]
The data has been downloaded directly from the Open Street Map Servers [most up to date data].
**There are area limitions controlled by OpenStreetMap Servers, the plugin will warn you of this issue if required.
You also can edit, select features, query features and do spatial geoprocessing (buffer,intersect etc) on the data.

Clarification on editing the OSM data.

After selecting the area, download to a location on your computer .osm format.
you will get 3 layers called
osm points*
osm lines*
osm polygons*
*not editable
now these are 'representations' only, so you are required to load the .osm file in again.
use the openstreetmap plugin to do this
This will create two layers ways and nodes - These can be edited - right click/toggle editing.
Now you can edit your OpenStreetMap data.

Import Issues to Edit your on-demand openstreetmap data.

Please note: There are 2 'OpenStreetMap' Plugins available - both are required. But to use the editor with the data downloaded please use the 'Import OpenStreetMap' version - not the Load OSM option.


You will need the development version of Quantum GIS 'Mimas'
http://blog.qgis.org/node/138
http://qgis.org/en/download/current-software.html
http://download.osgeo.org/qgis/win32/QGIS-1.3.0-3-No-GrassSetup.exe [Direct link to Windows file 28.1mb]

Spatial Database or Shapefile?
If you want to store your OSM data and use it for other projects then storing it in a Postgres Spatial Database is a good idea.
http://www.postgresql.org/download/

With Postgis 1.4 (1.5 in dev) you can speed up functions of geoprocessing and achieve more accurate results.
Download - http://postgis.refractions.net/download/ [install after Postgres].

Or if you just want it as a common file type you can just save out to shapefile.
Good if you want to share it to others with minimum impact.

Note: There are many new plugins for Quantum GIS


For this please use the OpenStreetMap Plugin (Version 0.5) [top]
and if you choose the postgres/postgis route a very useful plugin 'PostGIS manager (Version 0.5.4)' gives users a Graphical User Interface for managing Postgres/Postgis functions.
*versions maybe different in future.

This give users the power and speed. This gives Quantum GIS the edge on Open Source and Commercial GIS by breaking down the limitations and access to geographical data directly.

Weather.com goes into the 'Future' (Bing Maps)

Weather.com goes into the 'Future' (Bing Maps)


The new 'Future' button starts moving into a predicted mode using 'trupoint' technology at 15 minute intervals up to 6 hours into the future.

http://www.weather.com/weather/map/interactive/30004?from=36hr_maps&zoom=8&interactiveMapLayer=radar

"The Weather Channel's unique TruPoint^SM technology delivers the most accurate weather reports and forecasts - for more locations - than any other weather provider.

NEW: TruPoint technology is now available on weather.com interactive maps! See exactly where storms are forecasted for up to the next six hours so you can better plan and prepare for any activity."

Summary of TruePoint Technology

A highly localized weather forecast; accurate down to a one-square mile area.

Allows you to zero in on specific places such as schools and parks.

Available every 15 minutes across a 6 hour period.

Available only within the 48 contiguous United States.

A proprietary technology developed and used exclusively by The Weather Channel.

Full details on the technology here:
http://www.weather.com/encyclopedia/trupoint.html?from=hrly_trupointlogo

source:
http://www.bing.com/community/blogs/maps/archive/2009/11/01/weather-com-adds-futures-on-bing-maps.aspx

Google Maps JavaScript API v3 - Now with Directions

Google Maps JavaScript API v3 - Now with Directions

**Remember Google Maps JavaScript API v3 is designed to be super lightweight for mobile devices

This makes mapping for mobile devices a lot more useful


New Directions (Walking or Driving) in London - Google Maps V3

@mapperz example above
http://mapperz.googlepages.com/google_mapv3_directions.html

With a Directions Panel
http://mapperz.googlepages.com/google_mapv3_directions_panel.html


Code:
New required parameters

var directionDisplay;
var directionsService = new google.maps.DirectionsService();

Set Start and End locations:

function calcRoute() {
var start = document.getElementById("start").value;
var end = document.getElementById("end").value;
var request = {
origin:start,
destination:end,

Travel Modes:

travelMode: google.maps.DirectionsTravelMode.WALKING
travelMode: google.maps.DirectionsTravelMode.DRIVING

Get the response from the Geocoder if both locations geocoded then display route between locations:

directionsService.route(request, function(response, status) {
if (status == google.maps.DirectionsStatus.OK) {
directionsDisplay.setDirections(response);


See the changelog
http://code.google.com/p/gmaps-api-issues/wiki/JavascriptMapsAPIv3Changelog

revelant links
Official documentation
http://code.google.com/apis/maps/documentation/v3/reference.html#DirectionsRenderer
http://code.google.com/apis/maps/documentation/v3/reference.html#DirectionsService

Offical Examples:
http://code.google.com/apis/maps/documentation/v3/examples/directions-simple.html
http://code.google.com/apis/maps/documentation/v3/examples/directions-panel.html

source:
http://groups.google.com/group/google-maps-js-api-v3/browse_thread/thread/ee7ce7cf8a872268?hl=en#

Google Navigation Beta for Andriod

Google Navigation Beta for Andriod
(turn-by-turn GPS navigation with voice guidance for the Google Android Platform)

News update: 29/10/2009
"Shares in sat-nav device companies have fallen substantially after Google unveiled its free live sat-nav for mobiles on Wednesday.

US firm Garmin fell 18% after details of Google Maps Navigation were revealed. Dutch firm TomTom fell 9.5% when markets closed on Thursday."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8331824.stm

Google Maps Navigation is an internet-connected GPS navigation system with voice guidance. It is part of Google Maps for mobile and is available for phones with Android 2.0.


Searching for Points of Interest along your route. (users choose poi topics)

Google Maps Navigation uses your phone's internet connection to give you the latest maps and business data. But that's not all that's different about Google's approach to GPS navigation. Watch the below video to learn more.

1. Search in plain English
2. Search by Voice
3. Traffic View (see busy routes either green,yellow,red segments)
4. Search along a Route (Points of Interest of users choice along the active route)
5. Satellite View (includes direction visualisations)
6. Street View (includes direction visualisations)
7. Car Dock Mode - Landscape. (voice processing active, backlight enabled)

http://www.google.com/mobile/navigation/index.html#p=default



source:
http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/10/announcing-google-maps-navigation-for.html

The Met Office Weather Maps - October 2009 update

The Met Office Weather Maps - October 2009 update

The biggest difference is speed, layers of weather data have improved and load even faster.

The rainfall layer shows you a radar image of rain across the country. The different colours show different intensities of rain, from dark blue (least severe rain) to white (most severe).

Faster radar and coverage expanded users will find the 'Tools' easier to control opacity (even in timeline mode).

Timeline: (animated weather in time lapse)

The timeline has been improved due to the layers speed, one of the most important parts of the weather map. By clicking on timeline, you can see recent observations or forecast weather.

The weather that is being displayed on the map has its date and time shown on the timeline, and its segment is highlighted in green.

Note that segments on the left-hand side (weather already happened) have a grey bottom. Segments on the right (which show show weather forecasts) have a green bottom.

As your mouse moves over each segment, you will see the date and time of the information, shown in light blue. Click the segment to display the weather you're hovering over.

With some options, there is a play button shown next to the timeline. Clicking it will step through the information one segment at a time. This can be very useful to see how rainfall or cloud is moving across your area. Click the pause button to stop the animation.

Layers that can't be animated show a play button with a red line through it.

The locations box now allows you to store up to 8 places, for quick navigation to those points on the map.


The pressure layer now shows text and lines called isobars. Each isobar connects points that have the same atmospheric pressure.


Require imperial measurements?, then they are available in preferences.
Welsh is in the pipeline but not available currently.


National Parks (Leisure areas) have now got there own unique weather warnings, specifically to highlight Blizzards, Heavy snow, Storm force winds,Gales, Severe chill effect, Persistent extensive hill fog, Thunderstorms and Heavy persistent rain.

See previous posts on this topic versions
http://mapperz.blogspot.com/2009/06/met-office-google-maps-weather.html
http://mapperz.blogspot.com/2009/07/best-uk-google-map-api-mashup-ever.html
(note suggestions have been picked up on)

Broadband Trends Map (UK)

Broadband Trends Map (UK)

Using the 'Top 10 Broadband Speed Test'
is a free-to-use speed (and compare) testing service that analyses your broadband speed in seconds. It can measure speeds on every type of broadband connection whether ADSL, cable / fibre-optic or mobile broadband (3G).

• Test your broadband speed in seconds
• See your neighbours' speeds with Broadband StreetStats™
• Find out the fastest broadband provider in your area!

http://www.top10-broadband.co.uk/speedtest/#

Nokia - Ovi Good Things

Nokia - Ovi Good Things


http://maps.ovi.com/goodthings/f84c5631-eec4-4ee6-8c04-872622dc1cb0/Secret-Location

(that's the location but you need a special token)

Make An ESRI Map

Make a Map—The Make a Map feature includes a simple interactive Web map showing seven different U.S. demographic layers. Visitors can zoom in to an area of interest, select a demographic layer, then embed the map into their own Web pages simply by copying and pasting the automatically generated HTML for free map services.





Quick to embed, limited datasets and seems to be USA only (datawise).
(Even geo-locates Area 51 above)

Make your map here

Related
http://www.esri.com/software/mapping_for_everyone/index.html

source:
http://www.esri.com/news/releases/09_4qtr/mapping-for-everyone.html

Crime Maps (England & Wales ) Released

Crime Maps (England & Wales ) Released


The long awaited crime maps have been released.


Bing Maps are used with Police boundaries that are thematically styled with crime rates.
centring the map with the 'gun' sight target pulls up information from the authority. Up to 5 authoritiies can be compared at once.

"The map was launched today by Home Office minister David Hanson and National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) deputy chief executive Steve Mortimore"

Quick Links
http://maps.police.uk/view/avon-somerset/
http://maps.police.uk/view/devon-cornwall/
http://maps.police.uk/view/dorset/
http://maps.police.uk/view/wiltshire/
http://maps.police.uk/view/hampshire/
http://maps.police.uk/view/surrey/
http://maps.police.uk/view/sussex/

related previous posts:
http://mapperz.blogspot.com/2009/08/bbc-crime-map-truth-about-crime.html
http://mapperz.blogspot.com/2008/08/london-metropolitan-police-crime.html

Source:
http://www.inthenews.co.uk/news//crime/government-launches-crime-maps-to-public-$1335231.htm

News links (they finally catch up)
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/5/20091020/tuk-online-maps-let-public-compare-crime-45dbed5_2.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8315089.stm
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1221604/Crime-maps-allow-householders-check-areas-boon-burglars.html

The Running Map

The Running Map

A useful map for the likes of runners, joggers, cyclists, hikers, horse riders & walkers.
A clean fast way to prepare for your running routes


Nice clean interface, self explanatory - simple to use map.
Even a show elevation option displays at the bottom of the map.

Based in Flash (Flex) and using the Yahoo Flex API
http://developer.yahoo.com/maps/flash/flexGettingStarted.html

The speed of the map load is much improved and the tools and functions (ie switching from miles to kilometres) is extremely fast.
The very helpful 'save route' is a permalink like:
http://www.runningmap.com/?id=145338
(the map above) WITHOUT requiring to have a user account.
Though having a registered user account does give you more control on multiple routes.
Tip: is if you have previous permalinked route(s) and then sign up - you can apply those routes to your newregistered account.

"RunningMap.com is a website for runners, cyclists, hikers or outdoor enthusiasts who want to plan, save and share their routes. Since 2003 Runningmap.com has been helping runners determine the distance of their routes in a way that was not previously possible."

more helpful information and guide is available at
http://www.runningmap.com/news/how-to-get-started-with-runningmap/
http://www.runningmap.com/news/faq/


If your interested in this and also have an iPhone then you will be wanting to try out
http://www.runningmap.com/news/iphone/
or the direct link on itunes.

Atlanta Mapathon - Creating the Best Mapped City

Atlanta, the capital of the US state of Georgia will soon be the world's most digitally mapped city, according to organisers of a massive "Mapathon".
Source: BBC News



http://www.openstreetmap.org/index.html?lat=33.792&lon=-84.336&zoom=10

What is a Mapathon?
Mapping on-mass [crowdsourcing] the downtown Atlanta area including parks, university campuses and historic sites. Volunteers will be on hand to help new mappers learn how to use a GPS or Walking-Papers and have helpful tips for beginners. Come for the whole day or just stop by for an hour to learn the basics of community mapping and add a few points of interest to the map.

Atlanta Citywide Mapathon

October 16th 17th 18th

During this three day mapping event, local businesses, community groups and OSM members will join together to launch a citywide initiative to help make the map of Atlanta one of the best in the US. For details of how to get involved in this fun, family-friendly event, see the Atlanta Citywide Mapathon page.

Useful links:
http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Atlanta_Citywide_Mapathon
http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Atlanta#Atlanta_Citywide_Mapathon

New to OpenStreetMapping?
http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Beginners%27_Guide

Google Building Maker - New!

Google Building Maker - New!

Contributors will be able to help creat buildings for over 50 cities.
(likely to expand in the future)


"We [Google] like to think of Building Maker as a cross between Google Maps and a gigantic bin of building blocks. Basically, you pick a building and construct a model of it using aerial photos and simple 3D shapes – both of which we provide. When you're done, we take a look at your model. If it looks right, and if a better model doesn't already exist, we add it to the 3D Buildings layer in Google Earth. You can make a whole building in a few minutes."


The YouTube Video shows how fast it is to add/contribute your own buildings, Google will check them and when verified they will acknowledge your work.
Building Maker in Cardiff - with simple tools to create buildings

Requirements before you can contribute:

• Building Maker is an online tool, and it runs entirely in your web browser (Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer, etc.)
• Before you can add a building to Google Earth, you need to sign in to your Google Account (so you get credit for what you contribute).
• Models you create with Building Maker "live" in the Google 3D Warehouse (a giant, online repository of 3D models).
• You can use Google SketchUp (the free, general-purpose 3D modeling tool) to edit or otherwise modify anything you make with Building Maker.
• Make sure you have the latest version of Google Earth installed on your computer.
• If using an Apple Mac, you need to download the Google Earth plug-in directly.

Google Building Maker
http://sketchup.google.com/3dwh/buildingmaker.html

source:
http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2009/10/introducing-google-building-maker.html