Google Streetview
Just when the Google Maps / Earth combo couldn't really get any better, they go and introduce Streetview. While the previous mapping technology pulled in a lot of existing data and re-formatted it for Joe-public, streetview involves Google driving cars with 360 degree cameras on the roof down every street in a city. The images are mapped onto the correct co-ordinates, giving a keyhole view into the actual street.
While some of the US cities have been available on the system for a while, things are really starting to take off as it becomes a more widespread technology. Despite some sensitivity backlash, Japan is now online, as well as France and Australia - and after jumping over some privacy hurdles, London is coming online soon.
Here's Mann's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, the Hollywood sign, George McFly's house (actually in Pasadena), Shibuya crossing in Tokyo and my old flat in Melbourne. There's already dozens of strange sightings, as well as lists of best-ofs...
God know how Russia will embrace it.
6th Oct 2008 - Tumblr