Memory map 

If the vertical scale and the blue markers look familiar, it's because you're looking at another Google Maps mashup like we've talked about before.

Unlike the one I made of our walk along the Cotswold Way, this map has a decidedly more serious intent. It was created by the newspaper in Greensburg, Kansas as an online memorial to people and places in the town that was nearly wiped out by a tornado.

This collection of aerial photos shows how wide a swath the tornado cut through town on May 4, 2007.

The map had only a few markers on it yesterday when I first visited it. Today it has nearly 40, and I'll bet that in a week it will have hundreds. Go to the map now and see for yourself.

The most powerful aspect of this use of web technology provided by MapLib.net is that anyone can add markers and/or comment on those already in place. It allows a community to form around the map, a very Web 2.0 type of thing.

As of today no one is using the comment feature, but I suspect that's partly because most people don't realize it's available. Again, I'm guessing that once someone starts commenting, that aspect will blossom.

I'm also pretty sure that—like Google Maps itself—people can add images to the the comment boxes. I expect that "before" images of homes and stores in the devastated city will soon appear, adding a whole new layer of meaning to the map.

I'm really excited by the possibilities of MapLib.net technology, which works with images of any kind. Here's a detailed graphic explaining the TV show Lost, a map of Middle Earth from Lord of the Rings, and notes on someone's Windows login screen.

I'm trying to decide what image to use as my first attempt at building an interactive image in this format. An aerial photo of my neighborhood? Nah, too predictable. Got any suggestions?

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