Locale is a new mashup which automatically and randomly creates a day out tailored to your needs for any UK location. It dynamically combines several web services, resources and datasets using AJAX and JSON. Everything is done on the client - there is no server side scripting! Initially the search and results were on the same page but I separated the two so the search page loads faster (the mapping control is quite large). In the end, a better user experience over-ruled the principles of AJAX! The logo was designed by my mate Jonathan Stroulger.
The following services are used:
| Microsoft Virtual Earth API | Mapping and Yellow Pages search functionality |
| Geonames Geocoding Service API | Reverse geocoding for postcodes |
| Eventful API | Obtaining info on local Events |
| Geograph API | Georeferenced photos |
| Flickr API | Georeferenced photos |
| Transport Direct | Public/private transport travel directions |
| UpMyStreet | Displaying info on different areas by postcode |
| AccuWeather | Weather forecast map |
| GeoURL | Displaying nearby websites |
| Google Maps | Displaying driving directions |
| Multimap | Weather forecast |
I created Locale in response to BT's mashup competition. The scenario is that Simon has moved to London and is looking for useful mashups based on his character traits. I think Locale addresses a number of these:
| He's indecisive. |
| He loves the rain. |
| He wants to go to quiet parks. |
| He often gets lost. |
| He drinks red wine. |
| He wants to know what's on in the local live music scene. |
| He appreciates British history. |
| He needs to find out more about public transportation. |
| He wants to go to the best pubs. |
| He loves to eat Italian food. |
| He likes to walk along the Thames. |
| One of his hobbies is photography. |
| He is often forgetful. |
Locale is a work in progress and here are some known issues: