Wednesday, June 02, 2010

California Wants Your Maps

Apps for Californians

The state of California has partnered with Microsoft, Google and Programmable Web to run an apps contest. The state wants you to develop apps that will enhance the state government's transparency and services.

The contest deadline is August 27, 2010. The state says that "judges will award prizes to the five best entries who come up with the most useful, visually appealing, effective, and original web-based or mobile apps." There doesn't actually seem to be any indication yet about what those prizes might be.

If you are interested in developing a map based application for the competition then I recommend you have a look at some of these maps mashups already created by the State of California.

Live Scan Fingerprint Services

This is a simple Google Map showing the locations of the state's fingerprint services. The map uses different map markers to indicate if a facility belongs to the police or sheriff departments. The map also allows the user to get driving directions to each facility.

Caltrans Performance Management System

This Google Map shows real-time data from over 25,000 individual detectors. The sensors span the freeway system across all major metropolitan areas of the State of California and allow users to get up-to-the-minute information about California's traffic.

Air Quality System Map

California's Environmental Protection Agency's Air Quality System Map allows Californians to view the latest air quality data in the state.

Cal Boating Map
This Google Maps mashup displays the locations of all California's boating facilities.

Via: O'Reilly Radar

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