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Interactive map that brings 2012 Games to your home screen
Mark Prigg, Technology Correspondent17.02.09
Londoners can track the progress of the 2012 Olympic project using a new online map showing the entire building programme.
It includes a timeline so visitors can see milestones in the project, and live webcams of construction sites.
The interactive map enables users to find out about events and news linked to the Games happening in their area.
They can also find local details by typing in their postcode.
On the website, london2012.com, venues, sports, athletes and other keywords can also be entered to search for information on each.
Experts say the site is one of the best produced for a sporting event. "It's a really great use of technology, and I'm extremely impressed," said Tom Royal of Computeractive magazine.
"I think the 2012 Games will without doubt be the most hi-tech ever, and this is a very good indication organisers know what they are doing." Mr Royal called on 2012 bosses to integrate the "thoughts and photos" of Londoners into the site. The project currently relies on stock photography and information written by marketing staff.
Mr Royal believes it could become a hub for everything from Facebook and Twitter updates, to photos from across the internet.
"There is such an opportunity here. It would be superb if you could include photos uploaded to sites such as flickr, the image-sharing website."
However, he warned the huge amount of interest in the site could be a problem: "As we move closer to the Games - and particularly once tickets are on sale - interest will be huge, and there is a real risk the site could fall over. With the world watching, that would obviously be a disaster."
Reader views (7)
I notice that its only the people who are not paying anything towards the games that want them, I dont but have to pay via my Council tax.
- Ray, Enfield
The 2012 Olympics are going ahead, so all you naysayers just learn to live with it. If the project is a failure, then you can say 'I told you so'. But personally I think that ain't ever going to happen.
- Brian, Cardiff
I do actually take an interest RF grumpy yorks. Because I happen to have a bit of national pride and realise the massive benefits this can bring. Good on all the people working so hard to make something work for Britain, shame about the pathetic whingers who do nothing to invest in our future.
- Dave, Madrid
Is it just me or does anyone else expect to be sick to the back teeth of the subject of these Olympics by the time they come round?
- Sarah Bradshaw, Enfield, Middx
I suppose it's nice of them to let us know how they're wasting our money but I've no interest in this impending farce personally.
- Steve, London
- R.F., Yorks, UK
The second biggest financial disaster, just had the first!
- Frank, Home Counties, England.
Why would anyone want to watch the progress of the biggest financial disaster that has ever been allowed to happen in this country?
- R.F., Yorks, UK
