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What in the heck did we do before google maps?! I don't know and I don't want to know.
What an amazing (when you think about it) facility to have at your fingertips. I tinkered around with the New York map and could instantly see the current state of the traffic, the public transport system overlaid over the map,cycle lanes, photos/videos of various spots, and something called 'Buzz' which links up to Twitter/flickr, etc. to tell/show you what's going on around New York. I clicked on the buzz around Coney Island and was linked to this lovely polaroid somebody took of the Wonder Wheel.The map will also link you to the relevant Wikipedia page.
Why New York?
Places like Brooklyn, Manhattan and Coney Island hold a fascination for me (and loads of other people!). I was in NY once with my parents and sister for a very humid, slightly touristy weekend, and didn't get to explore the dinky little record and book shops like I wanted to. It's my dream holiday and that's why I chose it as my map. I know I'm not alone with this, (Ann Lib maybe I'll see you in NY some day!)...sigh.
Below is one of the gorgeous kodachrome photos taken by Charles Weever Cushman in New York in the 1940's. His collection is held by Indiana University and documents America in it's golden age. You can see more of the NY ones on Flavorwire, or the whole astounding collection on the Cushman Photograph Collection site.
