Google has a mapping API that lets webmaster's create mapping applications on their own sites using google's massive map server resources. Already a very lively developer community has grown around it.
Some sites have even built complete GIS systems on it. Microsoft's virtual earth also has an API. that looks very usable. I think that the competition between these two giants will only bring good things to us all.
With map plotting becoming easier and easier, I can foresee a consolidation of all these datasets into geo-supersites that mix and match everything concievable on a map. http://www.globalcoordinate.com/default.aspx?conte nt=atlas has already started in that direction. If we all begin recording and storing GPS data of our lives then all new searches will becmes possible... "Show me all ramen shops with WIFI access within 300 feet of a location where Jane and I cross paths on Sunday afternoons"
Slashdot Mirror
Google has a mapping API that lets webmaster's create mapping applications on their own sites using google's massive map server resources. Already a very lively developer community has grown around it. Some sites have even built complete GIS systems on it. Microsoft's virtual earth also has an API. that looks very usable. I think that the competition between these two giants will only bring good things to us all.
With map plotting becoming easier and easier, I can foresee a consolidation of all these datasets into geo-supersites that mix and match everything concievable on a map. http://www.globalcoordinate.com/default.aspx?conte nt=atlas has already started in that direction. If we all begin recording and storing GPS data of our lives then all new searches will becmes possible... "Show me all ramen shops with WIFI access within 300 feet of a location where Jane and I cross paths on Sunday afternoons"