Flickr has collected almost ninety million geotagged photos, and for every geotagged photo they have up to six Where On Earth IDs, which are unique numeric identifiers that correspond to the hierarchy of places where a photo was take: the neighborhood, the town, the country, and so on up to the continent in a process called reverse-geocoding.
Eventually they got to thinking: If they plotted all of the geotagged photos associated with a particular WOE ID, would there be enough data to generate a mostly accurate contour of that place?
Apparently the answer is yes, and though it’s not a perfect representation of the place, it’s definitely getting pretty close.
As a gift to the Flickr community, they’ve even made these 150,000 (and counting) WOE IDs with proper (-ish) shape data available via the Flickr API.
It might be a fun toy right now, but give it a few years and add in all of the data from geocoded cell phone photos, and this just might be the future of cartography as we know it.
[Flickr Code - The Shape Of Alpha]
EarthRoamer Xpedition Vehicles are designed to take you to the end of the world and back in extreme comfort without the need for external power or utility hook ups.
In addition, they’re also designed to preserve the environment that they roam through, with solar energy used as the primary power source for lights and appliances, and biodiesel options for those looking to avoid fossil fuels.
The EarthRoamer XV-LT is based on the Ford Super Duty F-550, and is designed for two adults and two children to camp for extended periods of time. The truck will hold 90 gallons of diesel and 85 gallons of fresh water, and includes conveniences like granite counters, a convection microwave, air-conditioning, a king-size bed, and an enclosed shower/bathroom. In addition, with a 17,950 pound gross vehicle weight and 10,000 pound towing capability, you can bring all of your toys along for the ride.
The EarthRoamer XV-JP is based on the Jeep Rubicon Unlimited, and is designed for two adults who want to use the most technical of four-wheel drive trails to reach remote camping destinations. Once in camp, the Loftop gives you nearly 9 feet of interior height, as well as a full queen-size bed in the loft. A drop down rear tent provides bug free living space, and 25 gallons of fresh water will keep you going for as long as you’re willing. Conveniences include an inside cassette toilet, inside shower, sink and cooking facilities, an electric fan, and a forced air furnace for when the nights get a little bit colder and you want to keep things a little bit cozier.
Whether it’s a trail in the middle of the Baja or a pristine secluded beach or a four-month expedition through Alaska, EarthRoamer vehicles are designed to get you through the country in comfort and convenience that few other vehicles can provide.
[EarthRoamer]
[Via: Uncrate]
Matt Allen prefers to be called The Ice Cream Man.
His mission?
To travel the country, eventually the world, giving away FREE ice cream.
Our growing team combines the minds, hearts, skills and resources of adventurous individuals who refuse to adhere to the old business paradigm. We fund this venture through advertising, sponsors, promotions and merchandising, building win-win-win relationships between everyone involved. To date, Ice Cream Man has given away over 125,000 treats. With the goal of giving away half a million ice creams, we’ve still got a long way to go.
On his site, you can check out upcoming Ice Cream Man events, buy Ice Cream Man merchandise that helps to support the cause, and even become a part of the Ice Cream Man community.
Free sweets for the world?
Sweet!
[Ice Cream Man]
[Via: Tasty Blog Snack]
Sure they’re touring the country, but for up close and personal interviews about issues that matter, nothing beats folding your own presidential candidate and turning them into a finger puppet.
Debates just got a whole lot more interactive.
[Fold US Candidate]
[Via: Swissmiss]
