An Mina writes contrasting Google Maps with a more local vision for mapping:
Enter Tide Pools. Developed by Parsons grad Jonathan Baldwin for his senior thesis, Tide Pools is a mapping-system-cum-mesh-network that's focused on local communities. Billed as "'Ushahidi' meets 'The Sims' API hub for local needs and culture," Baldwin's system differs substantially from global mapping sites like Google: maps can only be accessed when you're hooked into the local mesh network.
http://www.core77.com/blog/social_design/a_community-owned_map_accessed_via_mesh_networks_23319.asp
