Here’s a nice two-part tutorial on using the Google Maps API to build yourself a distance finder for a website. Part two explains how to build functionality to allow the user to choose different kinds of routes depending on their mode of transportation and also make drag-able markers where the distance between two points is automatically recomputed. A lot of people who are not professional programmers are aware that the Google Maps API (as well as quite a few others) are available for them to use to facilitate a great idea for a web application they might have. This tutorial assumes very little prior knowledge of how to use APIs and could definitely serve to bridge the gap between that great idea and its implementation. Check it out now or save it for later.
HTML5 Video Demo
Sometimes the Internet shows you something that defies your tendency to think about things in terms of what’s familiar. I’m not talking about ESPN3.com.
In this case I’m talking about technology and art intersecting in new magic ways that involve you in a personalized experience via HTML5, unique to you. Choreographed windows, real-time compositing, etc., all the bells and bombshells of the latest open web technologies. I don’t even know where to start with this one.
Forget HTML5 vs Flash, load it in Chrome, sit down and don’t touch anything. Do you remember the address of the house where you grew up?