[Wikipedia-l] Re: Mapping complement to Wikipedia?

[Tim Starling]

Jeff Meyer wrote:
> Hi all -
> 
> Has anyone looked into or heard anything about a map-based complement to the
> Wikipedia?
> 
> I am looking at putting something together that would be targeted at K-12,
> but might have some nice tie-ins.
> 
> The plan is to deliver an easily searchable repository (content & searchable
> clearinghouse) of quality map content to cover the entirety of human
> history. Along with it would be a freely distributable, open source map
> player. People could then link their existing maps, add modifications, build
> new map content, etc.
> 
> There are a lot of reasons why a text-based search metaphor doesn't work
> well for map-based data and why a lot of the maps on the web fall short of
> current technologies potential for delivering better map-based experiences.
> 
> I am hoping to base this loosely on what the folks at TimeMap and the ECAI
> have already established, but their current tools, setup, and content would
> need to be modified and expanded to be useful for K-12 education.
> 
> Naturally, it would be great to provide contextual links to related web
> resources... like the Wikipedia.
> 
> Anyway, if anyone has heard of something similar, or has any suggestions,
> please let me know.
> 

Yes it's been looked into, see the wikitech-l discussion in September 
2003, subjects "software for making maps", "map software", "Colors for 
maps" and my own minor contribution "GRASS ( was: map software)".

http://mail.wikipedia.org/pipermail/wikitech-l/2003-September/thread.html

-- Tim Starling