Mapping News by Mapperz

BBC Nuclear Power Mapped

See the development and introduction of Nuclear Power from 1955 onwards with the time slider at the bottom.

BBC Nuclear Power Map.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-13159407

Notes on the data and map:

Data in the map above is sourced to the IAEA. The map uses current political boundaries.

Data showing the percentage of electricity that nuclear power contributes to each countries' total electricity production is only available from 1985-2010.

*Under construction only represents countries currently building nuclear power plants that previously had none

**requires Flash Player

Labels: BBC, Flash, Mapped, Nuclear, Power, Timeline

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

Weather.com Temperature Bing Future Map Beta

Weather.com Cloud and Radar Bing Future Map Beta

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

Labels: Beta, Bing, Cloud, Flash, Future, Radar, TruPoint, Weather.com

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.

Labels: Distance, Elevation, Flash, Flex, iPhone, Map, Permalink, Routes, Running

Google Maps Flash API - 3D Perspective

Google Maps Flash API - 3D Perspective

"2-D maps are great, but sometimes it's cool to gaze into the distance. Today we're happy to announce support for perspective"

Google 3D Perspective Directions Panoramio - Flash Maps

Official Example:Driving Directions with Panoramio along a route in 3D Perspective

You can manipulate the 3D map using the same keyboard controls as you use on Google Earth and within the Maps API. Clicking and dragging moves the map in the direction being dragged, as you would expect. When dragging the map while holding down an optional modifier key, however, you can alter the attitude of the map:

SHIFT alters the rotation and attitude of the map around a clicked point.
CTRL (or the Apple key) alters the rotation and attitude of the map from the point of view of the camera.

Ian Watkins has created this 3D perspective UK Weather Map

Keir Clarke (Google Maps Mania fame) points out to @mapperz the nice youtube video that demonstrates the flashiness of the UK Weather Map

The key and simple code to make the changes are:

Map3D.viewMode = View.VIEWMODE_PERSPECTIVE;

and replace the old position and zoom controls with the
new navigation control:

addControl(NavigationControl);

Full details and documentation
http://code.google.com/apis/maps/documentation/flash/3d-maps.html

Want even more Flash Demos
http://code.google.com/apis/maps/documentation/flash/demogallery.html

Official Blog Post and Source:
http://googlegeodevelopers.blogspot.com/2009/07/3d-perspective-in-maps-api-for-flash.html

Labels: 3D Perspective, API, Controls, Demos, Flash, Google, Map

Mapumental [Channel 4]

Mapumental [Channel 4]

"lovely maps to help you work out where in Britain you might like to live, work or visit for a holiday"

Mixing Commuting times with House Average House Prices and *Scenicness - Interactive and has a wow factor.

And *scenicness — what’s that?
"Some people like to live in or near places that are pretty. The scenicness slider lets you hide places with a low ‘scenicness’ score."

What is Mapumental?
At the moment Mapumental is best at helping you work out where else you might live to have a better daily commute. This will change in the future, but for now, here’s how to use it.

It’s a tool that uses lovely maps to help you work out where in Britain you might like to live, work or visit for a holiday.
How do I use it?

At the moment Mapumental is best at helping you work out where else you might live to have a better daily commute. This will change in the future, but for now, here’s how to use it.

The Interactive 'wow' Mapumental Map (use the sliders)

More information - http://mapumental.channel4.com/help

In conjunction with
http://www.mysociety.org/
http://www.stamen.com/

Note: No average house prices for Scotland.

Labels: Channel4, Commuting, Flash, House, Map, Mapumental, Prices, Scenicness, Times

BBC Live Election Map (England & Wales) - June 2009

England & Wales Live Elections Map June 2009

Over the next day this map will change colours representing local elections results.
The Map is using live (confirmed and verified) data and is fully interactive based in flash.
Users can select their local county/authority and find more details on the results.

The Interactive Election Map (Flash required)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/elections/local_council/09/map/html/map.stm

Non-Map Link (A-Z Listing)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/elections/local_council/09/html/region_99999.stm

Labels: BBC, England, Flash, Local Elections, Map, Wales

Up2Maps Thematic Maps Editor

Up2Maps Europe - using Google Maps Flash API

Create Thematic Maps Fast with Up2Maps

Feature List:

Maps can be exported to image (png) or embedded in blogs.
Data can be uploaded in excel files or typed directly in the application.
There are 2 levels of detail for each country.
Runs on Google Maps Flash API
Data includes territory names, zip/postal codes and international codification like FIPS and ISO.

Map Editor - Build your own Thematic Map - Maps can be edited in many ways (colors, labels, legend etc)

Thanks to Moisés García
http://www.up2maps.net/

Ready Made Map EU Parliamentaries by Country
http://www.up2maps.net/maps/Gamusin23/Europe/ue_parliamentaries_by_country.html

Labels: Editor, Flash, Mapping, Thematic, Up2Maps

UMapper Maps Adds Spatial Searches

Spatial Searching from a specific location, uing Yahoo Local Search for Businesses.

From the UMapper blog:

"Ever wanted to search for a local business or map all the pizza places in your town? Now that UMapper is integrated with Yahoo’s Local Search, you can do all of those things. To illustrate this new functionality, we have created a map of all Starbucks coffee shops within 3 mile radius of our office.

Here are some ideas of what you can do with this new functionality:

* Search for business within a certain geographic region
* Create maps with up-to-date local info
* Read business reviews
* Create interactive maps (like the one above) in less than 2 minutes"

Just want flash icons that are really, really flashy?

It is now possible to add SWF's as custom markers for your map.
UMapper has an example here http://www.umapper.com/maps/view/id/13608/

Labels: Flash, Maps, Spatial, UMapper, Yahoo Search

New BBC Weather Maps (Beta v1.0)

The BBC are looking into revamping thier current weather service for 2009.
The are currently looking into adding more interactive features the visual weather portal.

New Features: *subject to feedback and beta status.
A 'one-stop shop' (no need to wait for another page to load)
Better Navigation to Maps in the users 'area of interest'
Flash based maps - animation is smoother and faster [tested with Flash Player 10]
More updates from the Met Office = Better accuaracy and currency of weather.
More localised weather particularly in the United Kingdom.

New BBC Weather Beta - North America Pressure Maps

Maps are now embedded in Flash - faster loading and smoother animations.

BBC Weather is now location based vs the old version by type of forecast.

"all forecast information is now organised by location rather than by type of forecast it might look like there is less information on the site."

More to be added in later beta versions
"The map presenter will also be more interactive and you will be able to view maps for surrounding areas without leaving the page. Later in 2008 we will be adding embedded video forecasts."

"We are currently sourcing forecast temperatures for coastal waters and will add these to the site when they are ready."

Try the BBC Beta Weather Maps

(click the image to view)

Please review the site and request new features like - georss, archive weather maps by date, 3D option, transparent overlays (cloud+radar etc) are just a few as examples.
maybe rainfall charts, wind factor, chill factor...

More information
http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/bbcweather/features/website_redesign.shtml

Mapperz

Labels: 2.0 Maps, Animated, BBC, Beta, Flash, New, Weather

Orange Unlit Tour Map

Orange Unlit Tour Map

A Live Music Map Mashup.

"Unlit is a mixture of a gig and party, free and open to anyone, which takes place in people’s houses around the world."

Very 'Flashy' Orange Unlit Map - Tour. Using flash and Google Maps to animate the tour so far, includes links to photos, videos, blog and twitter feeds.

"This summer, thanks to the support from Orange, we’re able to take the whole thing to a new level. From mid-August to mid-September we’re going on the road in a big caravan, doing two nights a week and posting the films just a couple of days after we’ve shot them.

We’re also using new technology, something Unlit has always been about… track us on Google maps, check out photos on Flickr, watch our daily video blog… it’s going to be amazing!"

View the Map (flash required) http://www.i-am-everyone.co.uk/orangeunlit/

The tour dates ranges from Aug 15 - Sept 15 2008.

If you want to take part...
http://www.i-am-everyone.co.uk/orangeunlit/takepart/

Labels: Flash, Map, Mashups, Music, Orange, Tour

Google Maps for Flash New!

Google Maps API for Flash New!

"This API lets Flex developers embed Google Maps in Flash applications. Similar to the JavaScript version, this ActionScript API provides a number of utilities for manipulating and adding content to maps through a variety of services, enabling you to embed robust, interactive maps applications on your website."

The demo gallery has several examples and what can be achieved by using the New Flash Version of Google Maps API for Flash.
The Spinning Map looks like a good potential starting point (was this inspired by Flash Earth?)

For Map Savvy Developers out there will already now that Yahoo has had a Flash based API for almost over two years now is on Version 3.5.2 beta. http://developer.yahoo.com/maps/flash/asGettingStarted.html

So the question is why now?
The Javascript version is still useful on its own and is constantly being updated and supported, but the Flash version can expand on what Google Maps has now and can extend the functionality
"Smoothness and speed are a big part of it. We've [Google] designed it so that Flash graphics can be used for each tile layer, marker and info window - opening up possibilities like dynamic shading, shadowing, animation, and video. When the user zooms the map, magnification changes happen smoothly and place names fade in."

Note some developers do not like flash and will avoid it if they can, but flash today has evolved to become a very useful tool to visualize information, displaying this data on maps can greatly enhance and explain complex situations.

More information and Official Source:
http://googlemapsapi.blogspot.com/2008/05/introducing-google-maps
-api-for-flash.html
(contains flash map/video and funky jazz sounds)
Thanks to Rob at Map Channels for pointing the new API out.

So look out for a Google Map Flash API vs Yahoo! Maps Flash API soon.

Labels: Flash, Google Map API, New, Released

BBC Local Election Map (Results)

BBC Local Election Map (Results)

BBC now updating their interactive election map every few minutes, London Mayor results are due in the evening of 2nd May 2008.
*Map based in flash.

This post delayed from yesterday due to no data on the election Map. In this case it was more useful with data representing the elected politcal parties.

For a more in depth view and constant updates please visit the BBC Election Website.

Labels: BBC, Election, Flash, Map, Politics, Results

Yahoo Go! 3 (Beta) Maps Updated

Yahoo Go Beta 3 Maps updated

Yahoo Go 3 beta is now on version 3.0.0.18

Directions are now supported across borders - UK & France

UK has Driving directions overviews (quickest/shortest who knows?)

Hybird and Satellite modes are available.

Downside - on the N82 with auto-rotate Yahoo Go! Beta complains it cannot display in Landscape mode on the Phone - weird.

Google Maps Mobile supports this

Google Maps can cope with Auto-Rotation on Nokia N82's

Yes still in Beta, there is still room for improvements. Both Google Maps and Yahoo do not have traffic information for UK or Europe, maybe take this out of the options when you have selected a European Location as default?

Nokia N82 users there was firmware updated made available 08/04/2008 (version 20).

See
http://www.allaboutsymbian.com/news/item/7018_Flash_Video_and_Web_Runtime_hi.php

The 108.2mb update - mainly includes Flash lite support and adds GPS location (geotagging) to photographs you take (provoided you have a good GPS fix).

So now you can view stickpeople fighting....

Flash is now available for N82 users.
Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xiao_Xiao

Labels: 3.0.18, Beta, Directions, Flash, N82, UK, Version, Yahoo Go

Woodland Trust - Ancient Trees Map

Woodland Trust - Ancient Trees Map - for the UK

"Ancient trees are living relics of incredible age that inspire in us feelings of awe and mystery. We reveal what makes a tree truly ancient, unlock a few of the fascinating secrets and stories associated with them and help you discover why they can sustain such a wide variety of wildlife."Ancient Tree Hunt

This custom built map is a good example on how to have your own custom map and still achieve
highly interactive content. Based in Flash the map is easy to use and has a 'drill down' on data, getting more detailed as you zoom in. More layers become available in the side bar when your in particular areas and zoom levels.

Currently there are 3410 verified ancient trees available

Other layers of data are available:

Protected Areas
Sites of Special Scientific Interest
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
National Nature Reserves
Local Nature Reserve

Other valuable information is also given whether is private or has access to pubic.

Car Parks
Footpaths
Information Points
Entrances
Cycle Routes

To use the interactive map (in flash) go to
http://www.ancient-tree-hunt.org.uk/Discoveries/interactivemap?
and zoom into your area of interest.

Nice touches through out - print for personal use and the find works as it should.
Even the little flash intro (not too long) of leafs falling is a visual guide that something is happening.

*Note the 'Zoom Bar' is back to front - compared to conventional mapping applications out there.
Mapping has been created by DrawLive Ltd

Mapperz

Labels: Ancient, Custom, Flash, Map, Mapped, Trees, UK

Flash Earth inside Google Earth

Flash Earth inside Google Earth

The amazing Flash Earth is a great application on itself.

Now combined it with the Desktop Google Earth (4.2)

and it becomes a very useful and powerful resource for users to compare areas where imagery and digital coverage is 'blurred'.

Layers available in Flash Earth are

Google Maps
Microsoft Virtual Earth (VE) Aerial
Microsoft Virtual Earth (VE) Labels
Yahoo Maps
Ask Maps
Ask Aerial
Open Layers
NASA Terra (Daily)

*NASA shows the smoke from the fires that have swept across Greece (BBC News Link)

Even Google Earth Rotation is maintained when the Flash Earth is activated inside Google Earth.

"What if the current view in Google Earth was quickly viewable in other maps, such as those made accessible by FlashEarth? Well, now it is. As you move around the globe a little white arrow follows you around, simple click it to get an approximation of the current view in FlashEarth in a popup balloon."

Total credit to Valery35, for the concept (including a screenshot) on the Google Earth Community and to all the people made all the bits that could be pieced together in this 15min hack.

Google/Flash Earth Network Link by Barry Hunter Nearby.co.uk

The Original Flash Earth http://www.flashearth.com/

Labels: 4.2, Earth, Flash, Google Earth, Integrated

192.com Mapping Updated

192.com Mapping and API Updated

12.5cm resolution aerial photography UK-wide

Ordnance Survey maps with 100% of streets labelled

Maps based on Flash technology

192.com has just launched a number of new enhancements to its interactive mapping tool including the highest resolution aerial photography, exclusive UK styled maps and a new journey planner

Kwik Fit uses 192.com Mapping for their website and works well.

These features make 192.com Maps a dynamic user experience designed specifically for the UK market.

"192.com is today announcing the first in a series of major improvements to its maps service, first launched last autumn and experiencing a surge in traffic in recent months. 192.com has republished all of its street maps after exclusively redrawing every UK map to incorporate the latest Ordnance Survey data and ensure street labelling was in an easy to read format. 192.com is unique on the internet for labelling 100% of UK streets (typically rival sites name 70-80%) and so uses hand drawn labelling particularly for crowded, historic cities with many street names in close proximity. The colouring of the maps has also been optimised to suit motorists and non-motorists alike and to accommodate the changing requirements of computer and mobile screens. The aerial photography, already acclaimed as the best available for the UK, has improved further and offers unrivaled clarity and resolution nationwide, not just in cities. But it’s the transition between maps and photography that really sets 192.com’s new maps apart, with the smoothest, cleanest transfer from map to map, and map to detailed aerial photography."
Having looked into these at more detail there seems to be a lot going on under the hood.
If your an experience programmer you will able to create flash based maps in a few minutes
Though a quick start tutorial with live example would aid the non-experienced programmer.

Clearly the mapping is excellent and well put togeather and seems to be the only online mapping fully based on Ordnance Survey Mapping. This must of cost a small fortune to buy or licence.

Here is a list of the scales available