OpenStreetMap, Google Maps, and Mapquest
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I love the fact that I can get map data for basically anywhere I go. I am a Google fan. I use Gmail to manage all of my email and pretty much only search with them. I have had some incorrect directions from their map service so I have been useing Mapquest of late. That’ll be the case until I get bad data from them. These services are all well and good, but not exactly what I’m looking for.
Personally I’m pulling for OpenStreetMap. It’s attempting to be the equal of Google Maps and Mapquest but wiki style. All of the data will be open source and not subject to the terms of the Google API or Mapquest.
Check it out!
Tryad and GoogleMaps on my Treo 600
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I’m old skool. Yes I own and actively use a Treo 600. It doesn’t seem to want to die, so I can’t justify replacing it. The only thing I’m lacking is blue tooth, and why upgrade just so you can be an uber-borg-ear-piece-wearing-geek. Maybe when they get wifi access.
I used to love this Treo application called Directory Assistant. It was the sweetest 411 service, but it stopped working so I’ve been without a good way to get addresses and phone numbers. I’ve even looked up some numbers in the phone book. I know… desparate!
I have been using GoogleMaps to act as a surrogate, but you need to know the general area, go to that location on the Google map, and then do a category search. Eventually you can get to a business address and phone number and are then able save it to your contact list. Residential addresses? Good luck!
Luckily there is a new incarnation of Directory Assistant called Tryad. This is juat like the old one but now seamless ly works with GoogleMaps to not only get you the right number to you contact list, but plug that data right into the map. From there directions are only a few taps away!
These two apps are must haves if you are a Treo owner and have a data plan that connects you with the internet. Try them out!
Brazil: Day One
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We made it to Brazil. I’m sitting in my hotel in Sao Paulo. The flight was not too painful. Mike taught me in the ways of international travel. Summarized: Stake Claim, Be Rude! We both picked open seating rows of 3 seats and reserved the aisle seat. When we go to our row we sat in the middle and hoped that no one else had taken seats on our row. We were both able to get free rows, so when the plane took off, the armrests came up and we both “stretched” out in 3 seats. Mike obviously had better drugs because he slept almost the whole time. Next time: get an Ambian prescription! Our hour drive to the hotel was alive with traffic and new types of cars. The graffiti here is pretty cool and I tried to get so me good shots but didn’t get any good ones. The craziest things are the motorcyclists. On the 5 lane freeway there were 4 extra lanes (on the lane lines) taken by 50 cc motorbikes and their insane drivers. At least they all had helmets!
The flight was fine from Salt Lake to Dallas Fort Worth. Mike got me upgraded to first class, a first for me. We spent 3 hours being deafened by overly load music, imposed upon by lame airport “news”, and defending the only outlet for 6 city blocks. All in all, a good time. From DFW to Sao Paulo the opportunity to lay down was priceless, but still it was a long flight. 2 meals, 4 drink services, a movie, and way too many episodes of “The King of Queens” (predictable, trite, and absurd even with no sound). I slept for about 5 of the 9 hours, so I can’t complain too much.
In about an hour we’ll head down to the lobby and catch another taxi ride to the airport for our flight to Brasilia. I’m hoping to catch some shots of the graffiti. We’ll see!
Here are some video clips of Sao Paulo that I shot. Read More
