Offline Google Maps for Android

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If you download the latest version of Google Maps for Android you can now download huge areas to use offline.In the latest version of Google Maps for Android you can save up to six large areas.

To save an area you need to navigate to the area you want to download and select 'Make available offline' from the menu. You are then shown the size of the file you want to download so that you know how much space it will take up on your phone.

Via: Google LatLong

Exciting New Features for the Maps API

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Google today announced at Google I/O some really exciting new features for the Google Maps API. The new features include a new Transit Layer, Symbols and new Google Places features for the Google Maps API.

Symbols

You can now add symbols to a Google Map. At first this doesn't sound overly exciting but the new Symbols feature really opens some amazing new possibilities for online maps.

Symbols can be used like map markers. However symbols are vectors so they can be styled (e.g. stroke / fill / opacity). They are also dynamic so can be animated. For example you can change symbols to show changes in locations over time.

Symbols can also be added to polylines. So, for example, you can add arrowheads to a polyline. However, again because symbols are dynamic, they can be animated. So you can use symbols with polylines to show movement (e.g. animating a plane flight).

Check out this example with a polygon and an animated symbol to get an idea of what is now possible with the Google Maps API.

Transit Layer

Google Maps API developers can now also add a transit layer to their maps.The transit layer allows you to show a transit network on your maps.

You can also add a routing feature so that users can get Transit directions and times. 

Google Places

Using Google Places you can access Google Reviews. This new feature allows you to get the top 5 reviews for a venue shown on your maps.

You can now also allow users to perform keyword searches. Using this feature users can search for distinct types of place. e.g. 'Mexico Restaurants in San Francisco'.

Google Maps Symbols Take Off

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I have a feeling that the new Symbols feature in the Google Maps API is going to revolutionise online mapping.

I've been playing with it for only a couple of hours and I can already see loads of possibilities. Here is my first attempt at playing with the new Symbols feature (and the new Transit Layer). Press the two 'Take Off' buttons below the map to see how symbols can be made to animate along a polyline.

I'm sure many of you can do much better. If you've already started playing with the new features in the Google Maps API post a link to your examples in the comments below.

Animated Symbols on Google Maps

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Here are another two examples, this time from Google themselves, of the new Symbols feature in the Google Maps API.

This History of Walmart Map uses animated symbols rather than map markers to show the growth of Walmart in the USA between 1962 and 2006.

This Symbols on Polylines Map demo shows Symbols being animated along polylines.

These two examples really show the new possibilities for map developers to create even more compelleing visualisations with the Google Maps API.

Are you excited yet?

Strange Souvenirs: Jubilee Ma'amite

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Mugs with the Queen’s (err hem) mug are typical souvenirs tobring back from the British Isles especially those marking milestones.

But Marmite has taken commemorating her Majesty a step further with a specialedition Jubilee Ma'amite. After addressing the Queen as "YourMajesty" first, correct protocol is to call her "Ma'am" after. 
Marmite, which can be found in most kitchen cupboards in theUK, is a savory spread made from yeast extract. It can be an acquired taste, muchin the same way people love or hate olives - there is no in between. Those who managed to get their hands on a jar of Jubilee Ma’amitecan spread some on their toast and literally toast the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.Sixty years of reign is a long time. I’d love to have a pint with the person who coined Ma'amite.

Drilling Water Wells with Google Maps

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Charity: water has created a Google Map that is tracking in real-time a Yellow Thunder Drilling Rig as it drills water wells in Ethiopia.

The Drilling Rig was funded by users of charity: water and the map allows those donors to visualise the results of their generosity actually in action on the ground. As well as the live Google Map the Yellow Thunder Drilling Rig page includes videos of the drilling rig drilling a water well and links to the rig's own Twitter stream.

Some Apple Maps Friday Fun

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The Joy of Tech comic this week took an interesting look at Apple's dumping of Google Maps.

Those who have seen the beta version of Apple Maps so far have been largely unimpressed. Here is a sneak peek of an Apple Map from Jokideo.



Adam Smith has applied some magic to Google Maps that manages to blur the pixels in the map tiles to create Blurry Maps. When you zoom in on a location you can watch the normal Google Maps tiles turn into a pointillist version of the mapped location.

Languages at Risk on Google Maps

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The Endangered Languages Project is a new website from Google looking to foster an exchange of information related to languages around the world threatened with extinction.

There are currently around 7,000 languages surviving in the world but it is estimated that at least half of them will disappear entirely before the end of this century. The Endangered Languages Project uses Google Maps to show the locations where languages are at risk throughout the world.

If you click on a language listed on the map you can get further details about the language including YouTube samples of the language being spoken, references to the language in texts from Google Books and details about how many of the language's speakers survive and an assessment of the language's current vitality.

Carousels & Ferris Wheels on Google Maps

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The Carousels Locations Map brings all the fun of the fair to Google Maps.

Using the map you can find your nearest carousel, amusement and theme park or even your nearest playground. Actually the name of this map is a little bit of a misnomer as there are many, many non-carousel related categories that you can add to this map.

If you look through the two drop-down menus, 'name brands and chain stores' and 'places of interest' you can find everything from McDonald's fast food restaurants to America's best hot dog stands.

Hat-tip: Mapperz

Strange Souvenirs: Jubilee Ma'amite

To contact us Click HERE

Mugs with the Queen’s (err hem) mug are typical souvenirs tobring back from the British Isles especially those marking milestones.

But Marmite has taken commemorating her Majesty a step further with a specialedition Jubilee Ma'amite. After addressing the Queen as "YourMajesty" first, correct protocol is to call her "Ma'am" after. 
Marmite, which can be found in most kitchen cupboards in theUK, is a savory spread made from yeast extract. It can be an acquired taste, muchin the same way people love or hate olives - there is no in between. Those who managed to get their hands on a jar of Jubilee Ma’amitecan spread some on their toast and literally toast the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.Sixty years of reign is a long time. I’d love to have a pint with the person who coined Ma'amite.

Lower Prices for the Google Maps API

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Google today released some good news for developers by slashing the charges that apply to the use of the Google Maps API.

The API charges only apply to the top 0.35% of sites regularly exceeding the published limits of 25,000 map loads every day for 90 consecutive days. These charges have now been lowered from $4 per 1,000 map loads to 50¢ per 1,000 map loads.

Google has also eliminated the previous distinction between Styled Maps and regular unstyled maps. The same usage limits and pricing now apply to applications using Styled Maps and the default Google Maps style.

The Google Maps API charges will still not apply to the vast majority of Google Maps API users. If your map does take off and starts to exceed the free 25,000 map loads a day Google will contact you to discuss your options. Your map will not stop working due to a sudden surge in popularity.

Non-profit organisations also remain unaffected by the Maps API usage limits and can apply for a free Maps API for Business license through the Google Earth Outreach grants program.

Via: Google Geo Developers Blog

The Tour de France on Google Maps

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The Tour de France starts next Saturday and Cycling the Alps has put together maps for each of the 20 stages of the race.

The route for each stage can be viewed on a Google Map. Once you select a route you can also choose to view the route's elevation profile and a 3d tour of the route using the Google Earth plugin. The 3d tour allows you to get a first person view of each stage, which is particularly impressive in those precipitous mountain stages of the race.

University of Florida Live Bus Tracking

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Transloc has created a number of real-time bus tracking maps for universities in the U.S.. The University of Florida Transit map is good example of how Transloc use Google Maps to show the position of buses in and around a university campus.

The map shows the real-time location of buses with color-coded markers. The color of the marker indicates the route of the bus and the arrows show the buses current direction. Users can click on the bus markers to view the bus' destination.

 It is also possible to select a bus route from the map sidebar to view the route on the map and the current position of all buses currently on that route.

Strange Souvenirs: Jubilee Ma'amite

To contact us Click HERE

Mugs with the Queen’s (err hem) mug are typical souvenirs tobring back from the British Isles especially those marking milestones.

But Marmite has taken commemorating her Majesty a step further with a specialedition Jubilee Ma'amite. After addressing the Queen as "YourMajesty" first, correct protocol is to call her "Ma'am" after. 
Marmite, which can be found in most kitchen cupboards in theUK, is a savory spread made from yeast extract. It can be an acquired taste, muchin the same way people love or hate olives - there is no in between. Those who managed to get their hands on a jar of Jubilee Ma’amitecan spread some on their toast and literally toast the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.Sixty years of reign is a long time. I’d love to have a pint with the person who coined Ma'amite.

Great Britain’s Smallest House

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The last inhabitant of Great Britain’s smallest house was afisherman who left in 1900. Perhaps he bumped his head in the doorway one toomany times. 
At 6 feet 3 inches tall he would have barely had a place toput his boots in the two-room abode, which is 9 feet high and six feet wide allsaid.
The house, located in Conwy, North Wales, is still owned byhis descendants and open to the public during the high tourist season.

A Trip Planner with Weather Forecasts

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If you are planning on taking a long road-trip this summer then the Weather Channel's new Hit the Road Google Map is the perfect application to help you plan your trip. Hit the Road not only tells you how to get from A to B but also tells you what what the weather will be like at A, at B, and at all points in between.

If the application shows that there is likely to be rain along your route you can simply drag the route line around the rain and see if the weather is predicted to be better elsewhere. Alternatively you can try adjusting the dates and see if the weather will be better if you start your trip a little later or earlier.

It is also possible to click on the route at any point to add a stop to your journey. If you add a planned stop then suggestions for places to eat and visit (from Yelp) appear below the map. You can select any of the Yelp recommendations to add them to your journey itinerary.

When Zombies Attack on Street View

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Here is yet another promotional Street View animation campaign - this time involving zombies.

Confused.com, the UK's most popular price comparison service, has launched a new video creation application called Home Sweet Zombie.

If you enter your address into Home Sweet Zombie then the application creates an animated video that shows zombies taking over your street using Google Maps Street View. Once you have created your own personalised video you can share it with friends via Twitter and Facebook.

Geographic Micro-Blogging with Google Maps

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SpoonerSpot is a new Google Maps based social network.

SpoonerSpot allows users to map the important places in their life or, as SpoonerSpot say, practice 'geographic micro-blogging'. Using the application users can virtually place short stories, called Spots, around the world and other users, who follow them, see those Spots on an interactive world map when they log in.

Adding a Spot to the map is very easy. Just right click on the map where you want to add a Spot, add your comment or story, add a picture (if you want), and you’re done. You can choose to follow any other users and you can browse the map by location, by people you follow or by Spots most recently added.

If you connect your SpoonerSpot account with a Facebook account your added Spots will also appear in your Facebook time-line. 

Chapel Hill’s Unofficial Town Hall

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Small towns and villages all over the world have unofficial town halls if you look hard enough. They are where locals gather over food or drink to share news, gossip, joke and seek company amongst their neighbors. In the UK, you’ll often find them in pubs.


Sutton’s Drug Store, which has a small diner with counter and booths in the back, serves as Chapel Hill, North Carolina’s unofficial town hall. Located on Franklin Street, the University town’s main drag, Sutton’s was established in 1923 and keeps its vintage charm as well as patrons who have gathered there for decades every day, as did many of their parents.
The video above features a piece I put together as my project for UNC Chapel Hill’s annual multi media boot camp. I highly recommend it for those of you looking to expand into or dip your toes in multi media. I discovered Sutton's while wandering a day before the course started and when we were told to choose a Franklin Street business for our projects I knew it had to be Sutton's.
Many thanks to the good folks at Sutton’s who allowed us to film and interview them and for sharing their home away from home.
What serves as the unofficial town hall where you live or where have you observed them?

Strange Souvenirs: Jubilee Ma'amite

To contact us Click HERE

Mugs with the Queen’s (err hem) mug are typical souvenirs tobring back from the British Isles especially those marking milestones.

But Marmite has taken commemorating her Majesty a step further with a specialedition Jubilee Ma'amite. After addressing the Queen as "YourMajesty" first, correct protocol is to call her "Ma'am" after. 
Marmite, which can be found in most kitchen cupboards in theUK, is a savory spread made from yeast extract. It can be an acquired taste, muchin the same way people love or hate olives - there is no in between. Those who managed to get their hands on a jar of Jubilee Ma’amitecan spread some on their toast and literally toast the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.Sixty years of reign is a long time. I’d love to have a pint with the person who coined Ma'amite.

The Philippines Flood Hazard Map

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Project Noah is a new Google Maps based flood hazard warning map from the Philippines' National Operational Assessment of Hazards and Risks (NOAH).

The map includes a number of weather layers. It is possible to view an animated radar layer from MTSAT. It is also possible to get the latest stream and rain gauge readings from across the country. If you want to know the current weather in the Philippines you can also select to view the Weather Outlook layer on the map.

Google Maps Gets More Traffic

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Google Maps has added live traffic conditions in Belarus, Estonia, Latvia, Mexico, Peru, Romania and South Africa.

As well as introducing traffic conditions in these 7 new countries Google has also improved and expanded coverage to more roads in 19 countries and regions, where traffic data is already available; the countries include: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, and the UK.

This Google Map shows you where live traffic conditions is now available. 

The Transat Québec Saint-Malo Tracking Map

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The Transat Québec Saint-Malo is an international high-level sailing transoceanic race taking place every four years, from Quebec city, Canada, to Saint-Malo, France.

This year you can watch the race live on Google Maps. The live race map will track each of the multihull and monohull entrants for the duration of the race, which begins on July 22nd. Until the race begins next month the map allows you to replay the 2008 race.

As well as the real-time tracking map of the race there is also an official mobile application. The mobile app will include the live tracking map and also give users access to information layers to better follow and understand the skippers’ moves during the race.

Not only will the mapping application allow users to follow the race, but it will give access to information on all the activities held in Québec City and Saint-Malo before and after the race. It will show where and when program events are taking place and show the locations of the nearest restaurants, bars, hotels, parking lots and ATMs.

Fly Down Your Street with Street View

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In the UK British Airways are running a TV advertising campaign, 'London Calling' (YouTube link), in which a plane drives through the streets of London, passing a number of iconic landmarks on its way. The tag-line of the campaign is 'Don't Fly - Support GB'.

British Airways has also created a clever Facebook application in which users can personalise the advert by including scenes involving their own homes. To create your own advert you just need to enter a UK address (non UK residents try the postcode 'RH10 5LS').

After you enter an address the advert includes some additional scenes in which the plane travels down your street and your house can be seen through the plane's window. 

Mexico Bound

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Every summer I tell myself I’ll stick close to home, take advantage of the warm weather in the Northeast, photograph my own city and take day trips and travel further afield in the fall. And every year I cave and end up taking a last minute trip somewhere.


About a week ago I booked a last minute trip to Mexico. Unlike my travels there in the last several years this trip will be spent on the Island of Cozumel sitting on a beach, something I haven’t done in years. A trip to the mainland is also a possibility to be played by ear. I’ll see how I feel this week. No pressure.

Do you have any last minute travel plans in the works?

Mexico City’s House of Tiles

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Not many cities can boast a department store housed in a historic national monument.


A few blocks from Mexico City’s massive Zocalo is the House of Tiles or Casa de los Azulejos, the most elegant location for Mexico’s ubiquitous department store chain Sanborns owned by the richest man in the world Carlos Slim.


The exterior of 16th century former palace of the counts of Orizaba is covered in blue and white Talavera tile from the nearby state of Puebla. During the revolution the Zapatista Army occupied the building.


Sanborns took over the property around 1919 and opened a soda fountain, the first of what is now a national chain. Like all Sanborns it features typical department store items as well as a pharmacy and café. Inside the period architecture has been preserved. Take a walk up its grand staircase and you can view a mural painted by Jose Clemente Orozoco in 1925.



The café is a great place to make a pit stop if you are spending the day in the historic center. While the surrounds are far superior to the food you’ll do well to order a decadent pastry and a limonada.

Conveyor Belt Sushi Tokyo

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Japan is a foodie county and the only one I know that combines gizmos with dining. Pictured below in Tokyo’s Shinjuku district is a conveyor belt sushi restaurant a few steps below street level.


Conveyor belt sushi, or kaiten-zushi in Japanese, is Japan’s version of fast food sushi. The conveyor belt winds its way throughout the restaurant within grasp of diners. Patrons take food from the conveyor belt as it passes by. If you look closely at the photos you can see ample condiments including big tubs of ginger on the counter.

Would the novelty of kaiten-zushi draw you in for a bite to eat?

Street Scenes: Where Time Stops In The Haight

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Haight Ashbury in San Francisco was the epicenter of 1960s hippie culture in the U.S. Today some remnants of that era still survive if you don’t include the touristy shops selling tie dye and Grateful Dead t-shirts.

On the corner of Haight and Ashbury is a clock permanently set to 4:20 p.m., which is known as international bong hit time.


420 is code for those involved in cannabis culture. Reports vary as to where 420 originated. Urban legend has it that 420 is police code for marijuana. Others argue 4:20 is the time a group of high school students in the neighborhood in the 1970s used to meet after school to partake.


Today April 20th is an unofficial holiday for cannabis culture folks to gather and light up. In San Francisco the day is celebrated in Hippie Hill in Golden Gate Park.

I happened to walk by Hippie Hill on April 20th of this year and saw large groups of people sitting in circles engulfed in plumes of smoke. At the time I was unaware of the holiday and just assumed this is what the locals do in San Francisco.

Have you ever unexpectedly stumbled across a counter culture or unusual holiday or festival in your travels?

Cape Cod Bound

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I’m heading to Cape Cod tomorrow for the rest of the week. If the weather cooperates, this is a good time of the year to go – after the summer crowds and before the gloom of the end of the year kicks in.


Looking forward to getting out of the city, photographing this scenic part of the country and reading and sleeping by the ocean. A day trip to Nantucket may factor in as well.

I have posts lined up while I’m away. When I return I’ll also be posting more regularly again and catching up on travels from earlier this year.

Where do you like to go in the off season?

Strange Souvenirs: Jubilee Ma'amite

To contact us Click HERE

Mugs with the Queen’s (err hem) mug are typical souvenirs tobring back from the British Isles especially those marking milestones.

But Marmite has taken commemorating her Majesty a step further with a specialedition Jubilee Ma'amite. After addressing the Queen as "YourMajesty" first, correct protocol is to call her "Ma'am" after. 
Marmite, which can be found in most kitchen cupboards in theUK, is a savory spread made from yeast extract. It can be an acquired taste, muchin the same way people love or hate olives - there is no in between. Those who managed to get their hands on a jar of Jubilee Ma’amitecan spread some on their toast and literally toast the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.Sixty years of reign is a long time. I’d love to have a pint with the person who coined Ma'amite.

Mannequins From Around The World

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It seems that wherever you travel most mannequins appear to have European features. Perhaps there is some worldwide monopoly on the often freakish figures, much like Monsanto has on soybeans?


This bobble headed mannequin outside a uniform shop in Dongdaemun Market in Seoul, South Korea would no doubt make some small children cry. Perhaps she is overcompensating for her headless comrades?


These androgynous mannequins in an Issey Miyake showroom in Tokyo are minimal and more chic. The fit right in Aoyama, an upscale fashion shopping district.


This feminine looking mannequin in Bur Dubai Souk in Dubai looks displeased to be wearing a gutra (head cloth) and dishdasha shirt dress traditionally worn by men in the UAE. Perhaps her male counterpart was on holiday the week I was there.

I’m contemplating starting a mannequin business that represents the cultures of the world. Naturally proper research would involve extensive travel.

France Bound

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I’m flying to France via London later today, where I’ll be spending the next 9 days on the Cote d'Azur.

It’s been about 10 years since I’ve traveled to France, somewhere I used to travel often when I lived in London (as well as before and after) while I was editing Europe-focused publications from New York.

Most of my travel to the French Riviera was on business and I’m looking forward to taking time on my own dime to explore more thoroughly the stunning towns along the coast and inland with camera in hand of course.

Naturally I’ll have plenty to report when I return.

What places have you not visited for a long time that you miss?

Shopping Like a Chef on the Cote D’Azur

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France is the epicenter of Western cuisine and if you want to shop like a chef on the Cote D’Azur take a break from the region’s glitz and visit its local markets. The culinary artisans to whom food is a labor of love sell produce, meats, cheeses and regional specialties.




Most travelers to the region spend time in Nice. In the heart of the Old Town is Cours Saleya, pictured above. Past the flower market are stalls manned by local farmers selling herbs, spices and produce from Provence every day except Monday.




Best known for its glitz, glamour and film festival Cannes’ market is Marche Forville, located on the doorstep of La Suquet, the city’s old town.




West of Cannes you’ll find Antibes’s market, Cours Massena, in the old part of the city.

To truly shop like a chef it best to get to these markets in the early morning hours. Most open at 6 a.m. and by noon are closing down for the day. Taking a morning stroll through one of the region’s markets makes an excellent way to start a day of exploring.

Puerto Rico Bound

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I’m flying to San Juan, Puerto Rico today for a short three-day trip. A cheap flight, the need to reach elite status on the Oneworld alliance and the destination of course prompted me to go.


Pictured above are sugar candy skulls photographed during Day of the Dead in Mexico. I always seem to fly on Halloween, leaving in the wee hours of the morning forgetting what day it is and wondering why I see out of the corner of my eye a random zombie or superhero wandering the airport.

In my absence I leave you with links to posts of Halloween’s past featuring Day of Dead celebrations in Mexico.

Cemetery Vigils
Day of the Dead Oaxaca
Day of the Dead Altar Mexico City




 

Strange Souvenirs: Jubilee Ma'amite

To contact us Click HERE

Mugs with the Queen’s (err hem) mug are typical souvenirs tobring back from the British Isles especially those marking milestones.

But Marmite has taken commemorating her Majesty a step further with a specialedition Jubilee Ma'amite. After addressing the Queen as "YourMajesty" first, correct protocol is to call her "Ma'am" after. 
Marmite, which can be found in most kitchen cupboards in theUK, is a savory spread made from yeast extract. It can be an acquired taste, muchin the same way people love or hate olives - there is no in between. Those who managed to get their hands on a jar of Jubilee Ma’amitecan spread some on their toast and literally toast the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.Sixty years of reign is a long time. I’d love to have a pint with the person who coined Ma'amite.

Naked Monkey Hot Tub Fun

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I think we have a winner for the best Street View shot ever.

Google have recently added Street View imagery of Jigokudani Monkey Park in Japan. Every year 'snow monkeys' visit the valley of the Yokoyu-River because of the valley's hot springs.

Now thanks to Google Maps we can take a virtual stroll around the park.


I like this Street View image as well. Thanks to the camber of this bridge in Norway this Street View gives the impression that the viewer is on a road to nowhere.

Helping Haiti with Google Maps

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The Haiti Aid Map is a Google Map that is highlighting the work done by InterAction members, a coalition of U.S. based NGOs, and their partners in Haiti.

The map shows the locations of 326 projects being carried out by 57 organizations. It is possible to browse the projects by location, by sector and by organization.  If you select an individual project's map marker you can read a project description and get details on the project's budget and impact.

The Pathfinder World on Google Maps

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Maps of Golarion is a Google Map of the Inner Sea world used in the Pathfinder roleplaying game.

The map uses custom map tiles with the Google Maps API  to provide an interactive map of the Inner Sea of Golarion. The map includes map markers to show important regions, cities and other important locations in the game world.

Mapped location include information and links to the Pathfinder wiki. There are plans to add an option for users to be able to add locations to the map and to provide adventure path lines to the map.

Also See

Elder Scrolls Maps with Skyrim
Grand Theft Auto IV - Custom Street View
Westeros Map