Open Data Creates a Virtual Denmark In Minecraft
Since the US government opened its troves of public data we've seen some pretty neat projects like climate-change prediction tools and deforestation-monitoring systems. Denmark however, on the other hand, has taken a different approach: the Danish Geodata Agency used internally developed topographic maps and elevation models to create a 1:1 recreation of the happiest country within Minecraft's blocky limits. In contrast to the virtual Great Britain we've seen before, this pixels-filled Denmark is more than natural features like hills and forests. As Ars Technica has spotted, it has accurate representations of roads, homes, landmarks and businesses too. The project was designed to show the open-data initiative of the country's students and teachers. However, anyone is able to take a look until the Danish government's game servers close in October. Server rules, however, have disabled enemies and TNT -- no Creeps allowed Naturally.