Here's an idea that I don't have the wherewithal to implement:
Take this location-based image service and pair it with something like artful (link is probably still on the front page) to give you imagery - not just maps - that are relevant to where you are. (eg local artists, photos of local landmarks, historical sites, etc)
I was using this before my Yosemite upgrade, I suggest changing to different maps (The bing ones seem more up to date at the moment). I've seen more interesting things that I didn't know were there than just randomly looking around google maps or openstreetmap. I also got lots of comments from people about it too.
Pretty cool. I wonder how often the wifi database needs to be refreshed? How often do the wifi points change, go offline. I assume that database also uses some info from the IP address as well.
It uses Apple's CoreLocation framework. The data was, I believe, initially bought from Skyhook, and then augmented by iOS devices reporting SSIDs from a known GPS fix.
It's abstracted away behind the API, but I think the framework uses trilateration of SSIDs with signal strength. The fix is often very precise - even shifting slightly between the front and back of my house.
It doesn't use any IP geolocation - it's just not precise enough.
You sure it doesn't use IP geolocation to narrow down the SSIDs it should search for? I'm thinking of an R-Tree like structure based on IP to get your search for SSID coordinates most of the way there.
On the other hand, maybe simple database searches for SSIDs are fast enough?
It is a common misconception that the SSID is used in these types of databases. What it is actually looking for is the MAC address of the wireless access point.
The databases are online, run by Apple and Google for their respective platforms. They are constantly being refreshed by devices with GPS lock and wifi reception, such as the installed base of handsets/tablets, as well as street view cars.
Cool idea. It finds my location and I can see the map in the browser, but it does not actually set the background on my Mac Book Pro (Yosemite 10.10.1).
Take this location-based image service and pair it with something like artful (link is probably still on the front page) to give you imagery - not just maps - that are relevant to where you are. (eg local artists, photos of local landmarks, historical sites, etc)