3 Cool Twitter & Google Maps Mashups
The Synergy of Social Media and Mapping: Twitter & Google Maps Mashups
The convergence of social networking platforms like Twitter and the utility of Google Maps has yielded a range of innovative applications.
A web mashup, fundamentally, involves integrating data and functionalities from diverse sources to create a novel service. In the context of Twitter and Google Maps, this means leveraging the APIs of both platforms to construct unique, practical, and engaging experiences.
Let's explore three compelling examples of these mashups that are worth investigating.
Trendsmap
Trendsmap offers a visual representation of trending topics on Twitter globally. It reveals what subjects are currently capturing public attention and their geographical origins.
Users can navigate the globe to discover current discussions in any region. Clicking on a trend provides further details, including graphs illustrating its local and global history. Relevant videos, news articles, and a continuously updated stream of recent tweets are also displayed.
The tool allows for focused exploration of Twitter trends within a specific region or city. Zooming in on the map or entering a location provides a more localized perspective.
GeoChirp
GeoChirp facilitates the discovery of tweets originating from a user’s immediate surroundings. It allows you to pinpoint what conversations are happening nearby.
To begin, simply click on an area of the Google map to define a search radius. The most recent tweets from that region will then be shown below the map.
The site offers filtering options to refine the search by keyword, the number of tweets displayed, and the search radius, which can range from 1 to 50 miles. It’s important to note that the results are not automatically updated; refreshing the page is necessary to view the latest tweets.
Twittervision
Twittervision presents a unique method for viewing tweets from around the world. The application requires minimal user interaction, simply allowing the user to observe real-time Twitter updates as the view sweeps across the globe.
The application pauses to display a popup containing the actual tweet, the user’s handle, and the location from which it was sent. It then proceeds to the next tweet. While customization options are limited, the experience remains engaging.
An alternative viewing mode utilizes a three-dimensional globe provided by Poly9, rather than Google Maps. Twittervision is also accessible as an application for iPhone devices.
For further exploration, consider reviewing 9 Awesome & Useful Google Maps Mashups.
We invite you to share your own favorite Twitter and Google Maps mashups in the comments below.
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