cabspotting and hindsight
Cabspotting is a project sponsored by the Exploratorium and created by Stamen Design in San Francisco. Cabspotting uses GPS devices put in Yellow Cabs around The City. These units track their location, and also the cab’s velocity and direction they are moving in. This is all charted in real-time on the Exploratorium sponsored website: cabspotting.org
I thought this project was different, because the ‘map’ has been taken away and replaced with black. Contrails are left where the cabs have been, and this phenomenological effect creates the map; showing us location through their path.
Another project that I thought was really neat is Trulia Hindsight, also by Stamen Design. This project charts the growth of citys, towns and streets over time. I found it interesting to go back to my old neighborhood and watch its history unfold. These maps are annotative and are just static markers of an event over time at a location.
This seems like such an innovative approach to map making. It would be interesting if other forms of transportation were used, such as planes, bicycles, and trains.
Comment by dpena — February 4, 2008 @ 5:47 am
It really is an interesting way of mapping. It records time, but it also creates a statement on the importance of certain streets; whether they are destinations or just routes to get to others.
It also has a nice visual aesthetic.
Comment by aBuerer — February 5, 2008 @ 12:48 am