This map is open to the public

Regulars will know of my weakness for anything to do with maps. Some time ago, this manifested itself in the purchase of a Garmin eTrex Legend Cx. This device is brilliant, perfect for my needs… walking, riding or driving, and after a few hiccups I got it talking to my mac. The only thing I’ve never done is purchased a map.

Garmin charge a pack for their maps, and I’m sure they’re very good – especially for route finding and driving, but for my needs they are overkill in the city and not much good in the bush. So, I was on the lookout for alternatives.

google censorship, national security & pepsi

Like most google map watchers, I’ve heard the debates about censorship on Google Maps. Pressure from governments, back room deals, conspiracy theories… it all gets a good workout on the forums, lists and blogs. Until now, the common theme has always been national security… mostly defence installations.
Pepsi HeadquartersNow, it seems that money buys you anonymity. Or maybe Pepsi is really just a front for a chemical weapons factory… whatever, the reason, there is a neat square of blurred imagery (looks like photoshop’s ‘pallete knife’ is the filter of choice) in among photos of excellent quality, and that square obscures the headquarters of PepsiCo. Draw your own conclusions.