Open Infrastructure Map
I find Open Infrastructure Map super interesting for visually exploring global infrastructure like power and communication networks. It's a detailed, interactive map leveraging OpenStreetMap data.
Fun entries
Look Scanned
This tool makes PDFs look like they've been physically scanned, which is useful for testing file parsing or when interacting with entities like the German state that often prefer scanned originals.
wanderer
wanderer is an open-source, decentralized, self-hosted trail database leveraging ActivityPub. It functions as a fediverse Komoot, enabling users to upload GPS tracks and create a searchable trail catalog.
What a week huh?
This is a simple web page displaying the current date and time, presented in a format inspired by the classic Tintin meme. It's a straightforward utility for quickly checking the day, month, and time.
Questions & Answers
- What kind of links can I expect to find in the 'Fun' category?
- The 'Fun' category collects a diverse range of niche web utilities and interesting exploratory tools. Examples include the Open Infrastructure Map for visualizing global networks and Look Scanned, which transforms PDFs into scanned-like documents.
- Who is this category for?
- This category is for users interested in quirky, specialized web tools that offer unique functionalities. It caters to those who appreciate novel ways to interact with data, test systems, or simply discover engaging online resources.
- Are there any recurring themes among the tools listed in this category?
- A recurring theme is the provision of unique, often technical, functionalities that address specific niche needs. This includes tools for data visualization, document manipulation, and decentralized information sharing, often with an open-source ethos like wanderer.
- Can you give examples of some standout tools from the 'Fun' category?
- Definitely. The Open Infrastructure Map provides an interactive view of global power and communication networks. Another notable tool is wanderer, an open-source, decentralized trail database functioning as a fediverse Komoot for GPS track sharing.
- When should I browse the 'Fun' category instead of other categories on Simon Frey's link list?
- You should browse the 'Fun' category when looking for highly specific, often unusual, web utilities that don't fit into more conventional technical or productivity categories. It's ideal for discovering tools like Look Scanned for niche document tasks or What a week huh? for a simple, meme-inspired date display.