Sure, maps can help you get from “Point A” to “Point B” — but the City of Seattle also has a whole collection of interactive maps that can help locals do so much more. From finding a park bathroom to identifying surrounding trees, Seattle’s Geographic Information System (GIS) helps you uncover a whole world inside your own city.
The City of Seattle has hundreds of these maps — but here are some of our favorites to get you started.
Take a seat on the street
Have a lunch from home that you’re just dying to eat outside? Or maybe you’re tired after walking around downtown all day and just want to sit for a minute. This map shows locals where they can find public picnic benches.
Bark up the right tree
Yes, taking inventory of every single tree on a Seattle street is quite tedious work — but it does make for a very cool map. It’s especially helpful if you’re looking for cherry blossoms in the spring, or quaking aspens in the fall. Let your curiosity take the wheel and find out what that weird, cactus-mixed-with-an-evergreen-looking tree is (it’s probably a monkey puzzle tree).
Know before you go
And by “go,” we mean those pesky, impromptu potty breaks. Yeah, just go ahead and bookmark this one.
Potholes got nothin’ on this
Those nasty little potholes on the road can be absolute day-ruiners, but they don’t have to catch you by surprise every time. Check this map to see if the city has started repairs on potholes near you. And if they haven’t, you can add it to their list.
P Patch perusing
These community gardens are excellent pit stops to make during any daily walk you’re taking — take a look.
