February 28, 2008 – Anything Geospatial

Ok, this one is just too cool to leave alone. From the Rumsey PR… David Rumsey took his historical map collection, one of the largest private map collections in the U.S., into virtual worlds today with the launch of the Rumsey Maps islands in Second Life. Featuring unique ways to experience the antique maps – from a fly-through topographic scale model of 1882 Yosemite to immersive celestial spheres that provide an 18th-century experience of the heavens – the Rumsey Maps islands in Second Life offer a new perspective on how we interact with maps. And finally, In addition, David Rumsey is providing a wide variety of virtual giveaways in the David Rumsey Welcome Center – See http://www.davidrumsey.com/

Only in Canada eh! This from the Globe & Mail online… Carleton University cybercartographer Fraser Taylor and his colleagues. “are putting together a prototype of a scented digital map. It will use a virtual odour display, or scent diffuser, a device that is available commercially for as little as $369 (U.S.) One particular model releases up to 60 scents from a cartridge containing liquid scent capsules… Ms. Lauriault is developing a scented digital map for the Bytown Museum in Ottawa. She is considering, for example, using the smell of sawdust to help convey the importance of lumberyards that once dominated a large working-class neighbourhood.”

Cool! See the Globe