Mapperz - The Mapping News Blog

Live Traffic Reports Google Maps (Los Angeles)

2009-07-10T08:21:00.001+01:00

Live Traffic Reports Google Maps (Los Angeles)

"The Los Angeles region is widely known for its extreme traffic, and a study released just this week by the Texas Transportation Institute reports that LA has the most significant congestion in the United States. It goes on to estimate that commuters in LA spent 485 million hours idling in traffic, wasting 367 million gallons of gas."
(hint: have a smaller engine or get on a bus)

Go to Google Maps (in Los Angeles) and hit Traffic and you get real-time incidents mapped.
A click-able icons and informative data to help advise on an alternative route.

The LatLng Blog Highlights the Los Angeles Traffic and Transit issues

"However, Los Angeles also has an extensive public transit network, operated by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), and today we're excited to introduce them as the newest addition to Google Transit. Metro operates 5 rail lines and nearly 200 bus lines within Los Angeles County, logging an average of 1.5 million weekday boardings."

"As a part of Google Transit, Metro's itineraries will now appear as an alternative with the "Public Transit" link when a user searches for driving directions within their service area to remind commuters of the availability of public transit. Turning on the Traffic layer in Google Maps to get an idea of what congestion awaits may provide even more motivation to try take advantage of Metro!"
http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2009/07/take-ride-with-la-metro-in-google.html
(and source)

How useful is this?
Well being real-time and accurate it seems to work extremely well. If only all cities made this data available then the amount of fuel consumption and wasted hours in traffic could be reduced.
Well done Google and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority for making it available for the public.

Ericsson Web & Mobile Maps API (Labs)

2009-07-09T08:27:00.001+01:00

Ericsson Web & Mobile Maps API (Labs)

Use Web Maps to embed powerful and flexible maps into your web applications.

Powerful map component easily embeded into any web page
Custom layers with your own objects and symbols
Embedded Java Applet with dynamic map rendering in the browser
Easily integrated Javascript interface
Automatic fall back to Javascript only version for browsers that doesn’t support Java Applets
Free access to map data (TeleAtlas - Vector data)

The Ericsson Web Maps API (Labs) uses Java for the mapping (javascript- fallback if no java available), first load can be a little slow at times.

Working Example

http://saudi.betainnovation.com/controls.html

Web Maps provide dynamic maps which you can integrate into any web application and features a large variety of control possibilities and overlay of symbols. The maps are rendered in a Java Applet which provides fast map browsing and smooth and animated interaction.

The dynamic rendering also let’s you control the look and feel of the map and how your users interact with it.

Currently limited in Mapping Examples. Users would be encouraged to create their own.

More information on the Web Maps API:

https://labs.ericsson.com/apis/web-maps/documentation

Mobile Version (also with an API)

"Mobile Maps is Java based and available both for Java ME and for Android. You download the Java ME or Android library, which provide the functionality of downloading, displaying, and interacting with maps to your applications. It also includes access to the map data itself."

Key Point with the Mobile Maps Version is:
"Through its unique functionality of rendering the maps in the mobile phone application Mobile Maps use very low bandwidth in comparison to many other map services and applications."

Mobile Maps is powered by Idevio and Tele Atlas

More information
https://labs.ericsson.com/apis/mobile-maps/

Source: (Also mentions the new SMS Send & Receive API)
http://blog.programmableweb.com/2009/07/04/5-new-apis-sprint-ericsson-and-volunteerism/

Land of Britain | Map Viewer (Historical)

2009-07-07T13:01:00.014+01:00

Land of Britain | Map Viewer (Historical)

Update: 08/07/09

Looking for Vision of Britain Maps?
"A vision of Britain through time - Including maps, statistical trends and historical descriptions"

Mapping includes:

Topographical Maps
Land Utilisation Maps
Administrative Maps

http://vision.port.ac.uk/maps/
(hint:click bigger map)

Update: 4pm [07/07/09] The BBC have created a video on this mapping application (hopefully all users can see the video not just UK users)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8138486.stm

"The Land of Britain web site was created by the Great Britain Historical GIS Project, based at the University of Portsmouth, with funding from the Frederick Soddy Trust.
A Vision of Britain through Time (new site) covers the whole of Britain, but not at this level of detail."

More information on this can be found here
A GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO LAND USE MAPPING IN BRITAIN
http://riga.iso.port.ac.uk/django_projects/doc/pamphlet/chapter1/

The First Edition Maps, dating back to the 1800's

"We are deeply grateful to Rex Walford, director of the Land Use UK Survey, for letting us draw on the teacher's pack he created with Tony Binns, featuring Brighton area maps from the 1960s and 1990s survey, and to the copyright holder for the Land Utilisation Survey of Great Britain for allowing us to re-publish Dudley Stamp's maps. We thank the British Library of Political and Economic Science for scanning the Stamp field survey sheets, and the British Library for scanning the Ordnance Survey First Series sheet."

A GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO LAND USE MAPPING IN BRITAIN
http://riga.iso.port.ac.uk/django_projects/doc/pamphlet/chapter1/

The Historical Maps overlayed together using opacity side-bars can show users the urbanisation of Brighton and Hove over many years.

More recent (1934) colourful maps show the large development along the coastal towns

Full colour, largescale highly detailed mapping (1967) of Brighton & Hove. Showing the full and large urbanization sprawl of the town and city

The Map Viewer
http://riga.iso.port.ac.uk/django_projects/maps_full/

Full Acknowledgments
http://riga.iso.port.ac.uk/django_projects/info/

Openlayers was used to develop this Mapping Application

Source:
http://www.craigbellamy.net/2009/07/07/a-vision-of-britain-through-time/

US National Weather [RADAR] Animated

2009-07-06T16:30:00.005+01:00

US National Weather Animated

"A very good visual way to mix Openlayers and Google Maps with near real-time Radar information"

Animated Weather and Hazard Warning (Fire Risk, Flash Flooding etc)
Very Smooth and Animates in near real-time over the next 24hrs

Speed of animation can be controlled as is the Opacity of the overlays.

Individual Weather Monitoring Stations can also be displayed

At the time of this post South Dakota has Flood warnings across the state
http://radar.srh.noaa.gov/?zoom=3&lat=43.8511&lon=-98.4131&layers=B000TTTTTTTT

Feedback Survey - Good to see they want feedback from users

http://www.weather.gov/survey/nws-survey.php?code=RIDGEII

KMZ Overlays for Google Earth (and Other KMZ accepting applications)

"While the RIDGE radar display allows for the use of interactive toggles with the image, RIDGE images can be best utilized with GIS software. This page allows you to create "kmz" files which are compressed "kml" files compatible with several GIS software applications"

http://radar.weather.gov/ridge/kmzgenerator.php

UK Met office related post (take note UK MET OFFICE ;)
http://mapperz.blogspot.com/2009/06/met-office-google-maps-weather.html

GlobalMapper v11 (Beta1) now with OpenStreetMap

2009-07-03T08:09:00.000+01:00

GlobalMapper v11 (Beta1) now with OpenStreetMap

"Global Mapper just got even better."

Open Street Map as a background layer note: OSM Rasters are projected on the fly to British National Grid in this case.
But very useful now the Digitising Tool is updated and dock-able (also shown)

One of the best and affordable GIS software packages around just got a lot better.

Global Mapper v11 (beta1) now introduces OpenStreetMap as background layer for your map projects, It is also available to capture your own content.

New Features: summarised as the list is way too long

- Added free built-in access to global street-level maps from OpenStreetMap.org via the File->Download Online Imagery menu command.
- Added real-time display of current cursor information (location, distance, elevation) to 3D Path Profile dialog. In addition, you can now also click to define a sub-path on the 3D Path Profile dialog and get information about that sub-path displayed.
- Added support for scaling point symbols, adding custom point symbols from PNG, GIF, and JPG files, and easily creating symbols of custom sizes and colors for common shapes, like dots, squares, etc.
- Added toolbar for Digitizer/Edit Tool to make it easier to perform many commonly used operations.
- Added ability to create new line features by tracing them without clicking at each vertex with the Digitizer/Edit Tool.
- Added ability to rotate and scale features using the Digitizer/Edit Tool.
- Added support for numerous new formats, including Vertical Mapper (MapInfo) Grid, QCT, QED, HTF, SPS, BAG, and many others.

All of the other numerous changes are listed in the What's New document that is displayed during installation.

Prior to the v11.00 release we also plan on adding several other major features, including a map layout tool for more easily creating finished maps, PDF export, DWG export, access to better world-wide imagery, support for combining area features, and support for exporting new multi-band files.

Please visit this forum for the latest new and link to the download
A great way to allow many users to comment on new features and find potential bugs before a full released version
Download Global Mapper 11 (beta1) from here: (Includes full version for a limited number of days '15th July 2009')
There is also a 64-bit version of Global Mapper for 64-bit versions Windows
http://www.globalmapperforum.com/forums/announcement-news/4301-global-mapper-v11-00-beta-1-now-available.html

GlobalMapper v11 with be officially released v11.00 in approximately 1 month.

Unregistered Versions do work with this software though you will not be able to export data or overlay more than 4 layers of data. But for the price $349 or $129 (upgrade from v10) you get a lot features for your money.

Well done to the GlobalMapper Team always surpassing expectations.

New Related Post:
In addition there is a very good blog post showing you how to make your own customised maps/imagery for bing maps
http://www.soulsolutions.com.au/Blog/tabid/73/EntryId/610/Getting-your-custom-imagery-onto-Bing-Maps-with-Global-Mapper-and-the-Cloud.aspx

OpenFlights - Route Mapping The World

2009-07-02T13:05:00.002+01:00

OpenFlights - Route Mapping The World

OpenFlights is a tool that lets you map your flights around the world, search and filter them in all sorts of interesting ways, calculate statistics automatically, and share your flights and trips with friends and the entire world (if you wish). It's also the name of the open-source project to build the tool.

Search by Click the Icons on the Map or Airport Code, Airport Name or IATA Name- a very handy Aiport Map. Mapping base by OpenLayers

Note: Now, you can click on any airport and see every single scheduled flight:

Testing Stages:

OpenFlights has been going through Alpha, Beta and Gamma test phases, OpenFlights is now in its Delta phase: all core functionality is implemented, but development on new features continues. If you'd like to be informed about major updates to the site visit their blog

For easy access to this, we’ve added a Quick search widget, shown expanded above but normally hiding in the bottom-right corner under the icon. Here’s how to use it, in two easy steps:

Enter the airport name, city or IATA code in the box. OpenFlights will automatically suggest matches as you type, and if the airport is already shown on the map, OpenFlights will pop it up.
Once you’ve entered a valid name, the Search button becomes active. If you click on this, OpenFlights will load a route map showing all flights from that airport.

But there’s more! In the popup for every airport, there’s now a Routes button, which you can also use to see the map. If you click on the List button for the mapped airport (via popup or the top left corner), you’ll get a list of all flights operating from there; if you click on that button for another airport, you’ll get a list of all airlines connecting the two, even including codeshares.

Source and Image:

http://openflights.org/blog/2009/06/26/route-mapping-the-world/

Visit the OpenFlights Route Map

The Met Office (Google Maps) Weather

2009-06-30T08:29:00.002+01:00

The Met Office (Google Maps) Weather

The Met office are experimenting with the Google Maps API - this is a very interesting move. The results are quite impressive and this is a potentially a bold move and a great way to represent weather forecasting on the web.
This includes animating the weather for the next 24hrs using the time bar above the map.

Google Maps API with Meteorological Data overlayed to represent very visually the foretasted weather for the UK. Animation is controlled by the 'Play' Button.

Not only is rainfall overlayed but isobars representing the pressure is also animated.

Isobars (Barometric Pressure) overlay on Google Maps

There is Temperature, Winds(strength/direction) missing currently, this is planned for the future and will be very useful for users.

This is an impressive experiment and greatly improves the very static generated images that currently dominated the Met Office Website.

Well done to all involved, this is what the public want.

The Met Office Google Map (Experimental)

Currently the BBC have Temperature and Winds [Flash required]
http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/10209

Suggestions - Opacity Control - current radar blocks the background map.
Temperature and Winds layers would be very handy.
5 day forecast possible?
An a final request on the raw data - it possible to have a basic GeoRSS feed for budding developers to create weather overlays for their own maps
GeoRSS weather warnings?

National Trust Map (Beta)

2009-06-29T12:09:00.007+01:00

National Trust Map (Beta)

The hundreds of locations of National Trust owned properties are now available on a Google Map, the large national trust icons are 'clusters of' properties zooming in allows individual places of interest be click-able with summary and open times tabs.

"Welcome to our brand new map."

"We are still developing this super tool that will help you make the most of your days out with us.

Let us know whether we're on the right track or if we have room for improvement by leaving some feedback."

So how does it work?

Each small pin represents a National Trust property. Click on the pin and you will get some property information, local weather, travel directions and more.
Larger pins represent clusters of places to visit. When you click on one you will get a zoomed-in map showing the area in more detail. Each National Trust property is then shown with a small pin, and as before, you select the pin you are interested in for further information."

Need Inspiration? Then the "Inspiratior" can help you find a day out - just use your desired location Town or Postcode in the tool and choose a distance.

Mapperz - leaving feedback:
Nice work National Trust - now putting both those excellent tools into one box would be a really powerful tool.
Good for school summer holidays and getting families out into the countryside.

Enjoy England Maps

2009-06-28T16:20:00.006+01:00

Enjoy England Maps

"You can now select a destination by clicking on a map icon and then clicking on the destination link for information about that area or using the Select a county from this list drop-down menu."

Enjoy England are now using Google maps to enhance their site. This helps users identify attractions near where they choose to visit.

England by Region:

The 'Show Only' options allows filtering of information that your interested. Another useful feature is the currency converter for international users.

Related - http://www.england-rocks.co.uk/
from Maps - http://www.england-rocks.co.uk/index2.php

Previous post - http://mapperz.blogspot.com/2007/02/england-rocks-map.html

Society of Cartographers Summer School

2009-06-26T16:22:00.007+01:00

Society of Cartographers Summer School

[updated 27/06/2009]

"UK's best meeting place for all those interested in any aspect of mapping"

Where?
The University of Southampton is the venue for the 45th Annual Summer School

The session themes for this year's conference are:

Emergency mapping
2D or 3D mapping?
Crowdsourcing data
Ordnance Survey and its data
Transport mapping
Alternative data for users
Collecting and using crowdsourced data

When?

Monday 7th September 2009

Lecture 1 13.45 Emergency mapping - an overview (Keir Clarke, Google Maps Mania)

Lecture 2 14.15 Maps in Action Chris Phillips, MapAction

Lecture 3 14.45 Mapping hazard sites Helen Balmforth, Health and Safety Lab

Lecture 4 15.45 Content - map or virtual globe? Rich Treves, University of Southampton

Lecture 5 16.15 Maps in Action Tim Fendley, Legible London

Lecture 6 16.45 Mapping for Thingfinding Jonathan Rez, FWDesign

Tuesday 8th September 2009

Lecture 7 9.00 Neodata - from Crowdsourcing to Cloudsourcing and where it will take us

Chris Osborne, Cloudsourced.com

Lecture 8 9.30 Crowdsourcing geodata Frederik Ramm, Geofabrik

Lecture 9 10.00 Collaborative mapping; flirting with the music industry Edward Mac Gillavry, Webmapper

Wednesday 9th September 2009

Session 6: Alternative data for users
Lecture 15 11.00 Does the UK need a second large scale mapping database?
Alun Jones, The Geoinformation Group

Lecture 10 11.00 KEYNOTE:
Ordnance Survey: underpinning the nation's decision-making
Vanessa Lawrence, Director General and CEO, Ordnance Survey

Lecture 11 11.30 OpenSpace and Geovation Tim Martin, Ordnance Survey

Lecture 12 12.00 Heterogeneous map mashing
Bill Chadwick, Freelance mapper [Where's the path]

Lecture 16 11.30 OpenStreetMap data in local authorities Matt Lindsay, Surrey Heath District Council

Lecture 17 12.00 Delegates corner 5 minutes to talk about a project or discuss an issue of interest to you ...

Session 7: Collecting and using crowdsourced data
Lecture 18 13.30 New developments in mapping Andy Allan, Cloudmade
Lecture 19 14.00 Mapping Antigua Steve Chilton, Middlesex University Abstract ...
Lecture 20 14.30 OSM data [NOT CONFIRMED]

The draft programme:
http://www.soc.org.uk/southampton09/program.htm

To register for the event
http://www.soc.org.uk/southampton09/index.htm

Google City Tours (Labs)

2009-06-25T13:00:00.002+01:00

Google City Tours (Labs)

Google Labs " Google City Tours" which uses Google Maps. The idea is that anyone can locate points of interest and plan up-to three day trips in major cities.

City Tours has a number of tours for pre-set for San Francisco, New York, London and Dublin. Major landmarks, museums and art galleries are available in each of the cities.

Landmarks can be edited on your own tour using the google map. Info windows display this information for the markers includes user rating and the opening hours. The Sidebar shows the order of the walk and the time it should take to walk from one location to the next.

Mapperz Suggestion: The walking directions should follow the walkable path for the streets and not as the crow files in this case. Hopefully this gets an update.

Try it here
http://citytours.googlelabs.com
[Google account require to edit and save/rate tours]

Related post:
http://googlemapsmania.blogspot.com/

ArcGIS 9.3.1 Desktop Download Layer Package Patch

2009-06-24T22:41:00.005+01:00

ArcGIS 9.3.1 Desktop Download Layer Package Patch
ArcGIS Desktop (ArcInfo, ArcEditor, ArcView)

Update 27th June 2009: IMPORTANT PATCH UPDATE
"A problem was identified with the installation of the ArcGIS 9.3.1 Desktop Download Layer Package Patch.

In some cases, after applying this patch, it would cause ArcMap or ArcCatalog to crash on startup. An updated version of the patch has now been posted to the ESRI Web site."

source:
http://blogs.esri.com/Support/blogs/supportcenter/archive/2009/06/26/update-to-arcgis-9-3-1-desktop-download-layer-package-patch.aspx

An important patch for users of the new ArcGIS 9.3.1 software

Date Submitted: June 23, 2009 - Last Modified: June 24, 2009

"This patch addresses issues with downloading secure content from ArcGIS Online when using ArcGIS Desktop. This patch is required if you are using ArcGIS Desktop and the sharing capabilities of ArcGIS Online. It is recommended that all users install this Patch."

This patch addresses issues with downloading secure content from ArcGIS Online when using ArcGIS Desktop. Content that is not shared with everyone cannot be downloaded. This patch allows all content from ArcGIS Online to be downloaded. We recommend that all Desktop users download and install this Patch at their earliest convenience to ensure the highest quality experience when working with ArcGIS 9.3.1.

Issues Addressed with this PatchThis ArcGIS 9.3.1 Patch contains critical fixes. It is recommended that all users install this Patch.
Resolves issue with downloading secure content from ArcGIS Online when using ArcGIS Desktop. Files
Installed with this PatchCommon Files
\ArcGIS\bin:
ArcGISCacheMgr.exe
ArcGISConnectionTest.exe
ArcGISFileHandler.exe
ArcGISFileHelper.dll
ArcGISVersion.dll
DADFLib.dll

ArcGIS 9.3.1 Final must be installed before you can install this Patch.

source:
http://support.esri.com/index.cfm?fa=downloads.patchesServicePacks.viewPatch&PID=17&MetaID=1530
includes the direct link to gis931-DLLP-patch.msp 1 MB

BBC Audio Map of the World

2009-06-24T08:25:00.002+01:00

BBC Audio Map of the World 'Save Our Sounds'

"BBC wants you to help build an interactive map of the world. So get involved and send in recordings of sounds from where you live. Listen to the sounds of the world - and then send us your audio."

The Map has already a good few audio snippets you can listen to directly from the map.

"Save Our Sounds, but we need your help to create an audio map of the world. We’re especially keen to preserve endangered sounds for future generations.

You can get involved by sending us sounds from where you live, and then listen your way around the world with our interactive map."

View the BBC Audio Map

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/specialreports/saveoursounds/index.shtml

Source: And more 'BBC' Bing Mashups
http://www.bing.com/community/blogs/maps/archive/2009/06/23/bbc-goes-big-on-bing-maps.aspx

iPhone MobileNavigator [NAVIGON]

2009-06-22T08:30:00.001+01:00

iPhone MobileNavigator [NAVIGON]

Now Available via iTunes Apps

"Turn your iPhone into a first-rate navigation system with MobileNavigator. Try the feature for yourself and enjoy the excellent user control and superior design that allow simple and intuitive operating. The application includes the latest map material from the market leader NAVTEQ and can be used without an Internet connection, which is of enormous benefit abroad, for example, as no extra charges are incurred. With MobileNavigator you can turn your iPhone into an equally handy and convenient route guidance system."

Features and range of functions:

2D and 3D map displays
Can be used in portrait and landscape format
Precise voice announcements
Intelligent address entry
Reality View Pro (realistic display of motorway interchanges and exits)
Lane Assistant Pro
Real signpost display
Speed Assistant with adjustable audio-visual warning
Day and night mode for map display
Direct access and navigation to contacts saved in the iPhone's address book
The latest NAVTEQ map material including more than two million (EU version) places of interest (POIs)
Navigation is automatically resumed after an incoming phone call
Quick access to user-defined POIs in the area and along the route
Take Me Home function with a single click
Automatic language selection to match the iPhone's user language

Cost:
Navigon’s MobileNavigator Europe app (iTunes link) is now listed on the App Store for a one-time price of $94.99 [£58] but a note in the description claims that the “special introduction price is valid only until June 30th.”

Similar Products for Windows/PDA's

also S60 3rd Edition Phones

Source:
http://blogs.zdnet.com/Apple/?p=4220

Map Channels - June 2009

2009-06-19T15:56:00.001+01:00

Map Channels - June 2009

A busy month for Map Channels: They have released the following 3 new features this month alone.

• 17 Jun 2009 : Iran Election Twitter Map

Mapping tweets about the Iran Election using twitter #tags

• 15 Jun 2009 : Map Feed Converter v1 (beta)

A utility to convert data between KML and tab-delimited format and text to KML.

• 1 Jun 2009 : Map Channels Version 3.02

Which helps you create maps for your own website quickly and easily.

Updated to fix some bugs and add new features.

Also see http://www.mashedworld.com/ for Google Maps and Street View Projects

Look forward to even more to come...

Recently Related:
http://googlemapsmania.blogspot.com/2009/06/iran-protests-on-google-maps.html
To keep up-to-date with the latest from Map Channels use the RSS Feed on the News page
http://www.mapchannels.com/News.aspx

If your bored on a Friday try the Quiz Maps:
http://www.mapchannels.com/QuizMaps.aspx

192.com Mapping Updates

2009-06-19T08:38:00.005+01:00

192.com Mapping Updates

"New on 192.com is ability to see the list of people or businesses that matched your search criteria highlighted on the map. This makes it even easier to identify the person or business you are looking for. For example, you may know that a person definitely lives in the midlands. Or you may be looking for a business that is located on the high street or close to the tube.

You can also use the Locations grouping on the Refine Search panel to filter by any area in the UK, from country level right down to postcode."

Image 192.com: Search results for People or Businesses are now mapped.

Sustrans Map - Measure Your Route

2009-06-18T08:25:00.001+01:00

Sustrans Map - Measure Your Route

"Sustrans is the UK's leading sustainable transport charity. Our vision is a world in which people choose to travel in ways that benefit their health and the environment. Every day we are working on practical, innovative ways of dealing with the transport challenges that affect us all."

The Sustrans Map uses Openlayers and data from Ordnance Survey - a Dotted Eyes creation.

Sustrans aims are:

reduce the environmental and resource impacts of transport
enable people to choose active travel more often
provide car-free access to essential local services
create streets and public spaces into places for people to enjoy.

The Unique 'Value Added Tool' for this map is the Interactive Route Creation which dynamically shows the user the distance and time it takes whilst digitising your own route:

Custom route creation - displays average time and distance as you build your route.

The refresh display speed of the background maps are not the fastest but the usefulness of the tool overrides this bottleneck.

Link to Sustrans Birmingham Map (as above though zoom in)
http://www.sustrans.org.uk/map?searchtype=search&searchkey=Birmingham

Open Street Map & FireFox 3.5 (RC1) Geolocation

2009-06-17T10:27:00.007+01:00

Open Street Map & FireFox 3.5 (RC1) Geolocation

update 30th June 2009
FireFox 3.5 is officially released
http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/all.html

FireFox 3.5 Download Visualization Map (& Stats)
http://downloadstats.mozilla.com/

Question where is Geolocation support in Firefox 3.5?

TOOLS>PAGE INFO> PERMISSIONS> Share Location

@Mapperz original post:

FireFox 3.5 (RC1) now has Geolocation built-in this has very distinct advantages.
"Websites that use location-aware browsing will ask where you are in order to bring you more relevant information, or to save you time while searching. Let’s say you’re looking for a pizza restaurant in your area. A website will be able to ask you to share your location so that simply searching for “pizza” will bring you the answers you need... no further information or extra typing required."

An important note privacy:

"When you visit a location-aware website, Firefox will ask you if you want to share your location.

If you consent, Firefox gathers information about nearby wireless access points and your computer’s IP address. Then Firefox sends this information to the default geolocation service provider, Google Location Services, to get an estimate of your location. That location estimate is then shared with the requesting website.

If you say that you do not consent, Firefox will not do anything."

Okay this a mapping blog and here the best FireFox 3.5 (RC1) Geolocation Example: On a map.

In Firefox 3.5 (RC1) you will be prompt to 'share location' allowing
will enable the geolocation tool.
Here map quickly finds the IP address and geocodes this returning the map for your ISP.
This then starts bringing up an OpenStreetMap with wiki poi & placenames (from geonames.org)

Here is the link to that Geolocating map (Geolocation will only work if your using FireFox 3.5)
http://3liz.org/geolocation/ (well done 3liz.com)

Mapperz

MSN UK - Local Maps with Local Information

2009-06-16T15:52:00.002+01:00

MSN UK - Local Maps with Local Information

Microsoft new service for the United Kingdom:

"a market-leading range of data to allow people to conduct personalised searches of any UK neighbourhood and create an-easy-to-understand map, with all relevant information displayed succinctly on one page."

MSN UK overlay Local POI (Points of Interest) for the current map, panning or zooming automatically updates the map with more local information based on users choices in the sidebar.

The coloured polygons represent the local constituencies though out the UK.

One option that is interesting is 'Flood Layer' though not currently available - issues with Crown Copyright and the Environment Agency? ononemap.com has the same issue.

property portal Propertyfinder.com and Virtual Earth (now Bing) developers shoothill.com
Find out where "Risers & Fallers" are with this heatmap

Overall , lots of data, managed in a way that it is not totally overload the base maps [TeleAtlas, Ordnance Survey and Collins Bartholomew background maps available].
A good selection of local information is currently available.

Bird Eye View is available but local information is not overlayed - am sure Multimap has this available (Multimap now owned by Microsoft)
See http://www.multimap.com/s/JV2Swe8T
for points in Bird Eye View.

Source:
http://www.techradar.com/news/internet/msn-offers
-localised-property-info-service-608518

Talk to the Map! [Google Maps on Android]

2009-06-16T08:18:00.001+01:00

Talk to the Map! [Google Maps on Android]

(this video jumps to the 'speak moment' in the video once play is 'clicked'

Speak to the Map and and search.

Google Transit - Pubilc Transport live date (where available)

Google Maps for Android includes some big improvements to Google Latitude. (location will continue to update as long as your phone is on.)

New experimental feature called Updates that lets you communicate with friends and post messages. (Your friends will also need to download this new version of Google Maps for Android)

Street View in Google Maps on Android is no longer its own map mode, Now integrated into the map where street view is available.

Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ry2gaJgmgiU

Source:
http://googlemobile.blogspot.com/2009/06/search-by-voice-and-transit-directions.html

Nokia N97, Ovi Maps - The Mapperz Review

2009-06-15T00:03:00.005+01:00

Nokia N97 Ovi Maps Review

"Ovi Maps is the new name for Nokia Maps."

Nokia have updated their mapping application.

Some good improvements and new content and new features and simpler cost structure.

Old map data is recognised in the new software and will update the data, though depending on the amount of coverage you choose. Total for the entire world is towards 7GB. The UK is 156.5mb.
Pre-loading the maps will save you money in 'data transfer' costs over the mobile networks.

Nokia Maps now Ovi Maps was updated last Thursday (11/06/09)

A quick note: Getting GPS Fixes faster. (less than a minute with 5 satellites
using standard GPS - no network based or A-GPS which uses the mobile
network to access GPS positional data)

The New N97 has more GPS details - in Applications>Location you can find
this in Position options Satellite Status will give you the signal strength of all
the GPS satellites available.
The view can be changed to Satellite display that gives the orbits on a radial
chart with sun and moon positions also. A nice feature, could this be implemented
in the Ovi Maps Application on the phone?

Back to the Maps:

What is New?

The map (vector) data has been completely updated
Current weather forecast information.
Speed Limit Warner
Saftey Spot Warner
Travel time or Time of Arrival option
Automatic 'Re-route' due to traffic option
Walking Directions has the option of straight-line distance to the destination.
Automatic 'Day/Night Time' Map mode.
Maps Improvement option.
*Compass mode (N97) Map rotates with you touch dragging (pan & zoom)
Search Nearby - vastly improved and more details available to users
Synchronisation with Ovi Maps Online. (confirmed this works very well)
Performance has been much improved (panning the map)
bugs fixed and is now a more stable application.
Better support and help - on phone or online option

Compass requires calibration before the function is available to use.

Traffic Information is now displayed on the Map even in 3D mode - Routes can be
automatic recalculated to avoid traffic incidents.

Smoothness, there has been a big improvement in the panning and zoom,
no jittering - when in driving navigating the map keeps up with the speed
of the vehicle. Navigation does repeat 3 times, one for advanced warning
- 350 yards. Then reminders at 50-30yds then 10 yards.

Walking mode does have the addition of straight line 'as the crow flies'
direction and distance.
(Golf players might use this to their advantage.)
Note the compass is 'green' meaning it is calibrated and active giving the
user the sense of bearing.

Details on the map data:

v3.01 09wk24 b01 MV OpenGL LM MN

Map Version 0.1.22.103 OpenbitLM 6.21.3

Data souces:

Navteq Maps 2008.

NavInfo (Traffic info)

Satellite Imagemap 2002 - Planetary Visions

Imagery - Digital Global 2008

Aronbado por el Insitututo Geografico Milltar 5 Sept 2008.

STRM V4 2008 CIAT

Costs: (based on UK prices) - For Directions and Voice Navigation.

£52.99 for a year.(covers Europe).

£6.00 for 30 days.

£1.50 per day

*Pricing for other regions vary

1. Bug found: When using the 3D map option on the N97 - the touch screen only pans
upwards, the user cannot pan down the map.

Overall impressed with Nokia Ovi Maps 3 and where this application is going,
not only improving the software, the map data but introducing new and useful
features that engage and interacts with the user getting them to and from
locations conveniently.
Also the maps (vector data from Navteq now Nokia owned) are more up-to-date
than many online mapping
sources including TeleAtlas etc. (which Google uses).
At least areas that Mapperz has tested in so far.

This is the final beta stage of Ovi maps version 3. Expect the full release
in the next few weeks for
all current nokia phones that can support the application.

SportTracker Users will be happy to know that this is working for the N97 with
the touch screen controls.
Please visit Symbian World for more on this:
http://symbianworld.org/1187-sports-tracker-finally-
available-for-nokia-n97-and-5800/

Ovi Maps is a free application for S60 devices, though extra features
'Directions and Voice Navigation' require licences that can be purchased
through the application.
More information
http://betalabs.nokia.com/betas/view/nokia-maps-30-maps-ovi

More details on the N97 Mapperz recommends:
http://www.allaboutsymbian.com/reviews/item/Nokia_N97
_Review-Part_1-First_impressions.php
http://www.allaboutsymbian.com/news/item/9902_Nokia_N97
_Review-Part_2-Touch-.php

A very special thanks to the team at http://www.womworld.com/nokia/
for a very successful 'Search for N' competition.

Yahoo Maps Updated [Europe]

2009-06-12T16:01:00.000+01:00

Yahoo Maps Updated [Europe]

Now it is possible to drag the routes...

Yahoo draggable routes, with option to revert back to original, also compares the route distance.

Other new features & updates
In response to users feedback Yahoo made some major improvements to Yahoo Maps

Faster loading time -No more waiting for the application to load - Dial-up mode removed
Language preference – Choose from one of the 5 European languages: English, French, Italian, Spanish and German*.
Interactive print page – Customize the print page to include only the information you need.
Personalised routing – Don’t like the route yahoo provide drag and drop the routes interactively.
Saved locations – For convenience, previously entered locations are automatically stored and available within Maps and elsewhere on Yahoo, such as Local and Weather.
Quickly look up places through auto-completion.
Waypoint support – Get driving directions for trips with multiple stops.
Save driving directions – Two places to save, Yahoo! Bookmarks and delicious
Zoom bar – now with the ‘+’ on top.

*Yahoo will be rolling out the same set of Maps improvements in Germany in the coming weeks.

Try it http://tinyurl.com/NewYahoo-Maps-Routes
(above example)

Yahoo Maps Europe main sites:
http://uk.maps.yahoo.com/ (UK)
http://fr.maps.yahoo.com/ (France)
http://de.maps.yahoo.com/ (Germany)
http://espanol.maps.yahoo.com/ (Spain)

Mapumental [Channel 4]

2009-06-12T11:21:00.003+01:00

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.

Google Fusion Tables [Fast Batch Geocoding]

2009-06-11T08:28:00.013+01:00

Google Fusion Tables [Fast Batch Geocoding]

"A fast an effective way to batch geocode spreadsheet data."

Take some data, with no geographic information. Upload to the New Google Fusion Tables and Map it.

Some spot checking of data in location - as geocoding is not an exact science.

Simply import the data will then give you access to 'Map' the data.

Then the real magic of automatic batch geocoding on the fly - you can visually see the data being placed on the map.
All within a few seconds - then whole process takes less than 30 seconds [based on 606 cities] though only 1-200 markers are display at one time.

And to finish it off - it is easy to create a simple thematic map.

Suggestions, would be nice to be able to overlay the thematic map [based in flash] over the Google Map (or creating gpolygons).
Sharing with the option of embedding and link to would be convenient.
*Note currently in Google Labs things will change.

A nice tool with great potential has unique features and powerful visualization functions.

Summary
Google Chart meets Google Maps with Google Spreadsheets binding them.

Related
http://googlemapsmania.blogspot.com/2009/06/
google-fusion-tables-google-maps.html

Official Post
http://googleresearch.blogspot.com/2009/06/google-fusion-tables.html

The UK Blue Badge Map [via direct.gov.uk]

2009-06-10T08:00:00.004+01:00

The UK Blue Badge Map [via direct.gov.uk]

Finally a very useful map that will help aid 'Blue Badge' users finding parking across the UK.

The Blue Badge map can be used to find:

Blue Badge parking bays in over 100 towns and cities across the UK
Red Route parking bays in London
petrol stations and their service facilities on major routes in the UK
accessible public toilets in over 100 towns and cities across the UK
railway stations and their accessibility
Underground stations and their accessibility in London
taxi ranks
Shopmobility centres
accessible beaches
Wheelyboat locations
Mobility Centres
locations of interest, like town halls, hospitals, museums and tourist attractions
parking rules for all councils in the UK

The map features Blue Badge bays, council car parks, taxi ranks and public toilets in 115 towns and cities across the UK. Red Route bays in London are also covered.

In addition, petrol stations along major routes are featured, indicating their services. This includes cash machines, 24-hour-opening, accessible toilets and ServiceCall

New on the map are railway stations, including their access level. There are three access levels:

accessible - step-free access to all platforms and staff to help
partly accessible - step-free access to all platforms but there may not be any staff to help
inaccessible - steps to some or all platforms

The Blue Badge Map
http://bluebadge.direct.gov.uk/index.php?br_wid=1280&br_hgt=1024

Well done to DirectGov for implementing this, it is very useful for all.

Also available in Welsh.
http://bluebadge.direct.gov.uk/cy/index.php?br_wid=1280&br_hgt=1024

For more information about the map:
Blue badge scheme map

and how to get this information on your mobile device:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Hl1/Help/YourQuestions/DG_069492

Related News:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/ouch/2009/06/get_the_blue_badge_map_on_your.html