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If you're a developer who loves to build mashups - especially map mashups - then you have to check out the library provided byMapstaction.(And if you're end user, wait until you see the demos!)Mapstraction is library that provides a common API for various mapping APIs already in existence. This allows developers to use the Mapstraction API to build a mashup that supports nine of the major mapping providers including Google Maps, Microsoft's Virtual Earth, Yahoo Maps, and more.
There are several reasons why a developer might want to use the Mapstraction library to build a mashup. For one, they would only need to code their apps once and then they could switch the mapping provider as necessary when their project's needs changed. AProgrammableWeb postpoints to another possibility, which is that Mapstraction allows for building a map where the end user could select which mapping provider's base they want to see.
In addition, Mapstraction "fills some holes each provider's current offerings" - meaning if a certain mapping provider doesn't offer a particular feature that another one does, Mapstraction turns to open source solutions (for the most part) to provide the feature needed.
Those are the technical details, but what's really impressive about Mapstraction are the demos. Take, for example,this demo, a single page showing several maps. As you move around in one map, the other three also move simultaneously to reflect the changes that take place in the map you're using. This is a great way to view comparisons of the different mapping systems side-by-side.
Another feature of Mapstraction allows for tile layer support. This feature lets you toggle different overlays on top of a mapping provider's map,like this one. Clicking the links below this map let you toggle different overlays on top of the Google Map to see maps from 1950, 1912, and 1877.
This demotakes you to a full screen map where you can switch from mapping provider to mapping provider by selecting the name in the box displayed in the bottom-left corner.(Note: to exit the demo, you'll need to know your browser's keyboard shortcut to go "back").
Mapstraction isn't exactly new, having debuted back in 2006. It's currently in use in places like the UK'sNestoria,Mapufacture,Reuters Labs, and even powers a WordPress and MT plugin calledGeoPress, which adds geo-tagging to your posts and pages. However, we would like to see some more Mapstraction mashups - so if you've built one, let us know in the comments.
Who would have thought dancing could become such a widespread force in combating global warming? After covering a Dutchdance-powered nightclubback in 2006, we wrote just the other day about theOrange Dance Chargefor charging cellphones. Now, dance energy has popped up again in the form of an eco nightclub that's slated to open next week in London.
On July 10,Club4Climate, an eco group led by real-estate magnate Andrew Charalambous, will launch a new sustainable nightclub at Bar Surya in King’s Cross. In addition to using a dance floor that captures enough energy to supply 60 percent of its power needs, the club will require that all patrons sign a pledge to help fight global warming; it will also waive the GBP 10 admission fee for those who can prove they travelled there by foot, bicycle or public transport. Low-voltage lighting and recyclable materials will be used throughout the club, which will reportedly also serve organic spirits in polycarbon cups and employ a recycled-water system for flushing the toilets. Club4Climate hopes to open similar sustainable dance clubs in New York, Cape Town and Rio de Janeiro, and has partnered with gap year organization Projects Abroad for the manpower to do that, according to its site. Part of Club4Climate's profits will be donated to Friends of the Earth, though it should be noted that that connection appears to be tenuous at best: A disclaimer on the site notes that "Friends of the Earth in no way supports or endorses the activities of Club4Climate, but we're going to give them the money anyway." According to the Evening Standard, FoE has turned down Club4Climate's donations in the past because it appeared to encourage international flights.
Air-travel issues notwithstanding, Club4Climate's sustainable nightclub will be well-worth watching as yet another example of the dance-powered trend. One to partner with—or emulate?
Website:www.club4climate.com
Contact:info@club4climate.com
Spotted by:Daily Mailvia RK
The Wall Street Journal:TerraCycle has formed deals with large food and beverage makers to collect discarded wrappers and juice pouches and turn them into pencil cases, umbrellas and other accessories.
The small firm offered large companies a solution to their problem -- how to dispose of wrappings that are tricky and costly to break down and recycle.
TerraCycle's products are starting to appear in large retail stores. And the firm expects their sales to help boost revenue.
TerraCycle Fashions a New Life For Old Wrappers [The Wall Street Journal]
There's more 'innovation' happening than ever before. New brands, new niches, new concepts, new products, new services, and new experiences are flooding an equally fast expanding number of markets. Here are 41 new business ideas begging to be copied...
