Mapping the Internet

Over the years there have been many attempts to make maps of the Internet, including geographical maps that show where network nodes are located geographically and other more esoteric network topology maps showing how backbone servers connect to each other. Here are some examples:

Internet Infrastructure Maps

• Atlas of Cyberspaces
• Internet Mapping Project
• Mapping Internet Infrastructure

Internet Geography Maps

• Traceroute Project
• Zooknic
• Global Internet Geography

Alexa has dabbled in this area as well with a few map/graphical features. For example, in the Alexa Toolbar you can click on a link "map and directions" that will take you to a geographical map of the site owner's address. Then there is the Alexa Browser powered by TouchGraph which provides a graphical view of Alexa Related links for any site. And we used to work with MIDS.org to provide data for a graphical traceroute program.

I had always thought that there must be some killer Internet app there, but nothing has ever come of it. Now, along comes Google, with their beautiful maps application, and an open API. I suspect this is going to kick start a new round of innovation in the Internet mapping space.

Does anybody have any good ideas for mixing up Alexa's info about Web sites (free via Alexa's API) and Google's maps?

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