Gizmodo: map

Google Earth 2.0 For iPhone Brings Custom Maps

Rosa Golijan — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:48:38 EST

Google is rolling out Google Earth 2.0 for the iPhone over the next 24 hours and it brings a long-awaited custom map feature by allowing you to sync your Google My Maps with the app.

Along with the custom maps, the update brings more languages and better performance. Anyone managed to get the update yet? [Google Lat Long Blog]

Is Google Secretly Working On A Free Mobile Navigation App?

Rosa Golijan — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:52:53 EDT

There's a lot of speculation about Google working on and preparing to release a mobile navigation app. For free. The logic's there and the pieces fit, but we still lack solid proof.

With Google's increased focus on collecting map data (and less reliance on third-party map providers such as Tele Atlas) and Android 2.0's rumored turn-by-turn directions in the soon-to-be-released Droid, it's feasible that they are in fact making preparations to let out a new Google product.

Android and Me, who has dubbed this app as the Google Navigator (which seems like it would fit well enough with Google's naming pattern), predicts that we'll see it in 2010. Forbes doesn't care to throw out a date, but one thing's for sure anyway: A free app of this nature from Google could definitely shake up the mobile navigation game. [Android and Me; Forbes via Engadget]

China Completes 3D Map of the Moon, Gets a Bit Nearer to Red Moon Dream

Jesus Diaz — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 08:59:51 EDT

China claims that they have completed the "world's highest-resolution 3D map of the moon," which will serve Chinese astronauts to reach the Moon in 2020. Of course, one thing is claiming that, the other is being reality.

The Chinese said the resolution of their 3D map—made with their Chang'e-1 probe, sent in October 2007—is 500 meters. Obviously, there has to be an error somewhere, because JAXA's own 3D map's resolution is 10 meters. Not to talk about NASA's LRO, which is 3 meters. In all fairness, the NASA map is not completed yet, but the Japanese one is.

I think that maybe the Chinese are hitting the rice liquor too hard again, either their space agency or their news agency. Still, the map they claim they have completed is a step towards their objective to land people in the Moon in a decade. If they ever get to launch anyone to space, that's it.

[Xinhuanet]

SLAM Helmet Maps Room to Help Rescuers Navigate Through Smoke

Sean Fallon — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:50:00 EDT

Researchers are using a technique called simultaneous location and mapping (SLAM) to develop helmets that rescue workers can use to navigate through heavy smoke. The helmet features an infrared laser scanner and software that bounces signals off walls and uses that data to create a map of the surrounding area.

The software also filters out variables like swaying and head-bobbing that could confuse the signal. Obviously, this technology is a long way from being implemented in the real world (as you can see from the crude helmet pictured here), but I can see how it could be a big help to rescue workers if some sort of monitor was added to the helmet or it was integrated into a handheld device. [New Scientist]

Cane Map Empowers Old Man Adventurers

Jason Chen — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 19:15:39 EDT

When we see something like this Cane Map, all we can think of is the Sean Connery-esque Colonel Gentleman from Venture Bros., but we suspect any old dude will find it incredibly useful. You see, it's a cane, but it's also a map—the duality of which probably exploded as many minds when it was invented back in 1940 as the atomic bombs tests around the same time. Except this map (made for the American Legion National Convention) is of Boston, where the only treasure you'll find are the highways leading out. [CooperHewitt via Wired via Sci Fi]

Vision 20/20 Website Puts Sex Offenders on Map

ybaranovsky — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 22:51:44 EDT

Want to make friends with sex offenders but aren't quite sure where they live? Let Vision 20/20 help you. The free web-based program gives users the ability to find the location of any sex offenders living in their area — including the crimes and the intensely creepy mugshots for each. The program is easy to use — simply input your address, city and zip code, and a flashy map pops up with mustached, Village People-style markers showing you where your local neighborhood creep is.

According to the Vision 20/20 website, there's 650,000 registered sex offenders in the US and they've got them all placed neatly on a map for you. Try it — it's fun for the whole vigilante-loving family. [Vision 20/20 via TechCrunch]

Ninja Star NYC Subway Map

Brian Lam — Fri, 20 Oct 2006 14:17:25 EDT

This four-pointed stainless steel ninja star is useful for added sting to punches when held in your fist. But can also be thrown at adversaries inflicting 1-3 HP of damage, and causing the status effect of "demoralizing defeat at hands of American ninja" ( -2 penalty to move or attack). The ninja can also use the map to escape from labrinth underground tunnels found in the large human and troll settlement of New York City. Available with etchings of London Tubes, and will fit in your wallet.

Useful for not looking like a tourist. Ninjas must stay to the shadows. –Brian Lam

Credit Card Underground Maps [Firebox]