Weekly Obsession: Photo Heat Maps

Recently I ran across this article on PetaPixel called Big City Heat Maps. A guy named Eric Fischer went and collect geolocation data from sites like Flickr and Picasa and created these maps. The blue points represents photos taken by the locals, red points are tourists and yellow are points taken from people that couldn't be determined. It really does shows the "hot spots" of these frequently visited cities and it's very interesting to see it this graphic form. It's even fun to point out the San Fran bridge and Alcatraz and the many spots in Paris. I think it could also stand alone and make some interesting art, especially for map lovers like me!

Photo 1: San Francisco
Photo 2: Paris
See other photos here at PetaPixel

Weekly Obsession - A La Carte

I just ran across these beautifully hand drawn maps via Notcot and I'm in love. I am incredible jealous of those that can sketch such wonderful things from their travels. Well, hand drawn maps I think are even more fantastic! I just drool over this stuff. A La Carte offers maps from Barcelona, London, Munich, New York, Paris, Shangha, Tokyo, Vienna, Washington, D.C. and Zurich. These maps are a combination of "guidebook, tourist map and a piece of art all in one." It's kind of like a friend of yours that lives in that particular place hands you a map with all the hot spots, interesting tips, things off the beaten track and what to do and see. Perfect for those spontaneous adventurous Flashpackers and journal keepers alike looking for the best kept secrets. What a great way to make a memory. Shoot, time to place an order.

Buy maps at A La Carte

Panoramic Paris

I have never been to Paris but it is on my wish list for someday. Although, it's not really high on that list but this photo by Bruno Méndez kinda makes me think twice about maybe movin it up the list a little bit. And same with this really cool panoramic view of Paris in HD! I'm really enjoying the 360 degree views I'm finding out there on the web (for example Haiti's 360). It's almost like you're there!