[whiplashoo]

I run https://mapchart.net .

It is a simple tool that lets you create custom maps of the World, USA, Europe, UK, France and more. I treat is as a side-project, but I am constantly adding new maps or expanding some features.

The biggest advantage is that it costs almost nothing to maintain it, as it is completely client-side, so the only cost is the basic hosting plan. I launched it almost 2 years ago and right now it is the no.1 search result for queries related to creating maps and gets an occasional boost from Reddit posts or other blogs.

[thetrumanshow]

I saw your work on Reddit earlier today[1], nice.

I was thinking of building a mobile app to track movement and show this same data. Can't decide if its a passing fancy or not, so, maybe just a free idea for you. :)

[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/dataisbeautiful/comments/5m5tj9/cou...

[whiplashoo]

I don't have any experience with mobile app development, so feel free to try something similar there!

[koheripbal]

I'd love to have a global map with more granularity than just country level. Is that in the works?

[whiplashoo]

Yes, the extremely detailed world map is coming this month! I have spent many hours on it and it depicts all first-level administrative divisions of countries. It needs some more polishing though, so please stay tuned!

[kubami]

Is this profitable? What's the business model, I can only see a donation button.

[whiplashoo]

This is a side-project, so no business model so far. There have been some small amount donations over the years and I have 1-2 Google Ads on the front page that generate a small passive income. In that way, yes, it is profitable, as the only cost is $15/mo, which is the hosting provider's plan.