Smells Like Map Day

E. Forbes "Inside Job" Smiley III made headlines today as he went to court to plead not-guilty on charges of map theft. The Martha’s Vineyard resident was alledgedly caught on tape at Yale’s Beinecke Library removing a map from a book after a librarian found an x-acto blade which was assumed dropped by Smiley. Boston Public Library, the Harvard Map Collection, and libraries across the world are checking their records for missing maps that Smiley may have been responsible for removing. Repeatedly Smiley has been described as a trusted map dealer with connections to the "close knit map collector’s circle." Bostonist trusts the description, we don’t know anyone who collects maps, just those who mash them up.

Other map news today ranges from the BU project for mapping free (like, unoccupied) parking spots as reported by WHDH to the Mash-Up. The underground world of Google Map mash-ups has been above ground for a month. After Google released the API, the Boston Globe covered it and new uses for the software keep cropping up. Universal Hub discovered a couple recently: Kosher Restaurants and the long awaited IncidentLog Boston. Bostonist is still fixated on MBTA related mash-ups. Utility awards go to the "closest station" feature from Joe Hughes, even if the interface could use polishing. With an honarable mention to an updated version of station overlay (we reported on earlier) makes a more full and effortless spotting of train lines in Boston. Of course if you’re still looking for a place to live check out the Craigslist Housing mash-up. You can also find events, movies, and cheap gas. What will they think of next?

Photo is the from the maparium