WikiMapia describes the world

WikiMapia is a project aiming to describe the entire planet, according to creators Alexandre Koriakine and Evgeniy Saveliev. Inspired by Google Maps and Wikipedia, the two created the site, which relies on users to describe places. Users zoom in and click on a place to learn about its mapping coordinates, historical information, local attractions, and anything else a WikiMapia user might think to add.

WikiMapia already has three million places marked, with more being added every day. WikiMapia images are from Google Maps, which purchases the images from other companies (including Digital Globe and NASA). Current features include tools for measuring distance and area, as well as a new feature adding GPS capabilities.

Not sure where to start? WikiMapia aficionado Matt Jones maintains an excellent blog on the subject. He includes information on how to use specific features, and recommends places to check out, including a giant rabbit, an enormous Italian art installation called Hase (meaning rabbit) by artist gelitin. Hase was opened in 2005, and is scheduled to remain in place in Artesina, Piedmont, Italy, until 2025. Visitors are free to touch and climb over the giant rabbit as they wish. And Wikimapia users can check out the location here.

Matt’s other viewing recommendations include the Egyptian pyramids, and the Palm Islands in Dubai. These palm-tree-shaped islands are the largest artificial islands in the world and, when completed, will feature over 100 luxury hotels, exclusive resort communities, shopping malls, water theme parks, and more. WikiMapia users can check in regularly to observe their progress.