By Stan Horzepa, WA1LOU
Contributing Editor

This week, Surfin’ checks out a cool Google Maps application that reveals where the hams are in your burg.

Mark Petrovic, AE6RT, wanted to learn about the Google Maps Application Programming Interface (API). He thought that a good learning vehicle would be plotting where hams live in his hometown, Petaluma, California.

He used the FCC ham radio license database and the end result can be seen at the “Where the hams are” Web page. Mark’s source code is also available on that Web page so that you can modify it for your hometown.

Mac Ham Radio

Talking about Mac computers in the previous installment of Surfin’ garnered me some e-mails from hams using Macs. Some of the some were unaware of Mac Ham Radio, so I thought I would mention it here for any other Mac hams who need to know.

Mac Ham Radio is “devoted entirely to Amateur Radio operators using Macintosh” and is a very good source for information about what ham radio software is available for the Mac OS, as well as information about how to obtain the software.

By the way, I like my new MacBook Pro. It is much faster than my old one, the battery lasts longer and I really like its glossy display.

When I was considering buying the new computer, I was a little concerned about the glossy display because I was used to the matte displays on my previous Mac laptops. My concern was unwarranted and the glossy display is superb. The colors are more vibrant and I am now convinced that will never go back to matte.

Until next time, keep on surfin’!

Editor’s note: Stan Horzepa, WA1LOU, used to find hams in his hometown by driving around looking for towers. To contact Stan, send him e-mail or add comments to his blog.