Mapping is one of the skills that gives us an extraordinary power over our environment – if we have the ability to read them, of course. Technology is coming to the aid of the visually impaired by creating devices that can turn maps into tactile environments through haptic (touch-based) interfaces [via]. Now imagine mashing that technology up with 3D mapping a la the new Google Earth features, and we’ve come a long way in a short time. And talking of coming a long way, those Google boys have a sense of humour, whatever else you may think of them.