This is actually an old story, but I just happened upon it today, so I thought I’d share. MySociety.org has some really cool interactive maps that allow users to easily interpret things like travel times and commuting options. According to the Web site, “This mapping work was very important because it provides a potentially revolutionary new way of working out the best place for people to live and work.” Add this type of mapping technology to public knowledge initiatives and I think you could build some really powerful tools.

The map below shows overlapping data of commuting times and housing prices. In terms of affordable places to live within an hour’s drive of central London, looks like Deptford’s the place to be. Check out some more examples here.