This map of the internet is a fun way to explore how sites are related to each other. Each of the 350,000 sites are represented as bubbles (bigger or smaller based on traffic) and placed near other similar sites.
The Internet Map was created by Ruslan Enikeev, who describes the project using physics analogies:
To draw an analogy from classical physics, one may say that websites are electrically charged bodies, while links between them are springs. Springs pull similar websites together, and the charge does not let the bodies adjoin and pushes websites apart if there is no link between them. Originally, all such electrified bodies (websites) are randomly scattered on the surface of the map. Springs are stretched, repulsion energy is high — the system is far from being at equilibrium. Then the websites start moving under the influence of the forces exerted and in a while come to a halt — forces of attraction now become equal to forces of repulsion, the system has reached its equilibrium. It is exactly that state that is shown on The Internet map.
It’s interesting that there’s “a vast porno cluster” between Brazil and Japan.
It’s fun to play with, and it’s a great way to discover new sites. If you want to support the developer (who might not have the resources to support lots of traffic), consider donating.
The Internet Map [via Flowing Data]
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