Do You Like Maps?

Are you like me? Do you like maps and atlases? Ever since I was a kid I've loved looking at maps and globes, and dreaming of far off places. That really hasn't changed much now that I'm older honestly, and since it's Geography Awareness Week, what better way to spend it then playing with a giant National Geographic atlas online over at the NG MapMachine.

The MapMachine puts the entire National Geographic Atlas of the World at your fingertips, and at a fraction of the cost! Using the web interface, you can quickly and easily scroll around the globe and zoom in for closer views of nearly any place on the planet. It's actually quite amazing to zoom in from a satellite view in orbit now to the countryside in say, China, and see the dozens, if not hundreds, of cities, towns, villages, and other settlements list in each area.

Some ares of the world have more detail and allow you to zoom in further, right down to street level, and while it's fun to check out places close to home, it's even cooler to zoom in on the streets of say London, Cairo, or Rio. There is an amazing amount of information here, and map junkies will be in heaven. I know I am! :)

Thanks to the Intelligent Travel Blog for reminding me of this, and Happy Geography Awareness Week!