Classic Computers, Enduring Ideas
Classic Computers, Enduring Ideas
Internet Infrastructure Map shows growth of undersea cables and peering capacity over time. Users can animate or navigate year by year. As of 2025, there are 602 total cables, with 31 new ones spanning 144,320 km. Top cities by peering capacity include Amsterdam (200 Tbit) and Frankfurt (166 Tbit). Regional capacities: Europe 1.5 Pbit, Asia 430 Tbit, North America 403 Tbit. For more insights, visit the linked blog.
Internet Infrastructure Map Read More »
Extreme TLDR: In 1967, R.R. Donnelley launched Donnelley Cartographic Services to produce road maps, growing into the largest custom mapping organization. In 1994, it spun off GeoSystems Global Corporation, which created MapQuest, launching in 1996. After rapid growth, MapQuest went public in May 1999, valued at $800M shortly thereafter. AOL acquired MapQuest for $1.1B in December 1999, leading to traffic growth but eventual decline post-acquisition. MapQuest still exists under System1, relying on Mapbox technology, a far cry from its former status.
12 Map Happenings That Rocked Our World: Part 10 Read More »
