I wanted to share a great website with everyone. It's called OpenStreetMap, and it is basically an open, user-contributed mapping application for the web, similar to Google Maps or Mapquest.
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It is different however, in that it is licensed with a Creative Commons license, meaning that it can be used elsewhere (for example, in publications) as long as it is credited. This is quite different from companies such as Google. It is also great in that a user can modify and enhance the data available and improve the map. Much of the world is already available in this manner.
If you are interested in contributing, you can even do it with GPS traces - either provided by you, or ones that have already been uploaded. Satellite imagery is available for orientation, but a word to the wise - don't trace it! This breaks the license!
I encourage everyone to check it out, it's a lot of fun!







