September 7, 2007 4:25 PM
Mapping the Web
Ran across an article about the efforts of a Japanese firm called Information Architects to pull together a map of the biggest things on the Internet, using a subway map as its inspiration.
To access the map, click on the image on the left and a new window will pop up.
Notice the key in the lower righthand corner. It tells you how to read the map.
Each colored line represents a different thread that links common sites (like sharing, community, or news).
In all honesty, I'm not sure if I find much utility in this map. It's hard to read and nigh impossible to get anything out of at a quick glance.
That said, it is kind of fun to pick a line and track it through all its different stops. Many of the sites cited are big names that are immediately recognizable, but they've done a good job of incorporating a fair number of fringe players with significant offerings.
I'd encourage you to look through this map with another browser open, probably pointed at Google, so as you encounter sites you haven't heard of you can quickly look them up.
I do wish they'd built this dynamically so that each name would link to the site, though.