Google Maps Mania aims to track all the extras

Calling all Google Maps mash-up geeks. Even if that doesn’t sound like you, have a look at Googlemapsmania.blogspot.com, a great distraction site that’s loaded with more reasons to love a map than you thought possible.

What’s hot: Google Maps Mania is a fun blog to read even if you’re not going anywhere. It is home to all the Google Maps mash-ups, tools, tips and apps created by techies all over the world -- as diverse as “real-time trains in Dublin [Ireland],” and a three-dimensional view of Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, on Google Earth. You can search the comprehensive site (started in 2005) by country, use the site’s own mash-ups directory or my favorite, “100 Things You Can Do,” which led me to a grand list of helpful maps where I could look up real-time U.S. airport status, see the world at night, track world terrorism or find a public toilet.

What’s not: There’s a lot going on within the pages of this website. You can easily get lost in time. For some, that kind of escape is just what the doctor ordered. For others, watch out. There’s much to see and do here. You can sign up to follow the site on Twitter (@gmapsmania) or get the RSS if you want your Google Maps Mania in a bite-sized format.

-- Jen Leo