Google Europe imagineer Douwe Osinga has created an interesting project where, through user-input which manipulates the palette of a GIF image on the fly, a user is able to create a map of the countries (or states) that they’ve visited. Users are then able to copy the resulting image onto their webpage or MySpace profile and show off to their ‘friends’ where they’ve been! Be sure to check the amusing arguments in the comments section over the validity of the maps project itself, as certain countries are left off due to the rules of inclusion set by the creator. Douwe actually has quite a few interesting projects, including a US states map generator, a low-budget aerial photography system using a cheap digital camera and a high-pressure helium balloon and a very fun collective novel where users are able to vote on which sentences should be added to the story next, thus manipulating the direction of the storyline. Keep up the good work Douwe…

[Visited countries | Douwe Osinga's projects page]