Mapkist Earth is a prototype atlas built on the OpenLayers platform. This option was chosen over Flash because Steve Jobs told us FLASH IS EVIL. OpenLayers still provides excellent interactivity via KML and controls (pan/zoom) are hopefully ideal for the iPad and other future touchscreen computers.

We're also looking to expand Mapkist Earth into a more complete educational atlas later this year that closely follows National Geography Standards. Topics covered will range from the characteristics and spatial distribution of the Earth's environment to the cultural mosaics of human life. Release date is expected to be in Fall 2010!!

Many thanks to Natural Earth for providing such a wonderful and consistent dataset. We made minor changes to some boundaries (Morocco/Western Sahara) and city names -- BGN Conventional Name vs. BGN Standard Name? Does it matter??

Please be sure to let us know if you see any bugs or wish to provide any feedback! We're constantly looking to improve our atlas :)