Show HN: Mines.fyi – all the mines in the US in a leaflet visualization

Introduction to Mines.fyi

As a developer and data enthusiast, I'm always excited to see innovative uses of public datasets. Recently, I stumbled upon a fascinating project called Mines.fyi, which visualizes all the mines in the US using leaflet. The creator of this project downloaded the public datasets from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and brought this valuable information to life.

What is Mines.fyi?

Mines.fyi is an interactive map that showcases the locations of all mines in the US, along with details about each site, including the operators. This project is a great example of how public data can be used to create informative and engaging visualizations. By using leaflet, a popular JavaScript library for interactive maps, the creator of Mines.fyi has made it easy for users to navigate and explore the data.

Key Features of Mines.fyi

Some of the key features of Mines.fyi include:

  • An interactive map of all mines in the US
  • Details about each mine site, including the operator
  • Easy navigation and zooming using leaflet
  • A valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and the general public

Why this matters

Mines.fyi is more than just a fascinating visualization - it's also a valuable resource for understanding the mining industry in the US. By making this data easily accessible, the creator of Mines.fyi has provided a service to researchers, policymakers, and the general public. This project also highlights the importance of public datasets and the potential for innovation when this data is made available.

How to explore Mines.fyi

To explore Mines.fyi, simply visit the website and start navigating the map. You can zoom in and out, click on individual mine sites to learn more, and explore the different regions of the US. The interface is intuitive and easy to use, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

Example Use Case

For example, let's say you're a researcher interested in studying the environmental impact of mining in a particular region. You could use Mines.fyi to identify the locations of mines in that region, and then click on each site to learn more about the operator and other details. This could be a valuable starting point for further research and analysis.

Code Example

While I don't have the exact code used to create Mines.fyi, I can provide an example of how to use leaflet to create a similar map:

// Create a new map
var map = L.map('map').setView([37.7749, -122.4194], 13);

// Add a tile layer
L.tileLayer('https://{s}.tile.openstreetmap.org/{z}/{x}/{y}.png', {
  attribution: '&copy; <a href="https://www.openstreetmap.org/">OpenStreetMap</a>',
  subdomains: ['a', 'b', 'c']
}).addTo(map);

// Add a marker for each mine site
mineData.forEach(function(mine) {
  var marker = L.marker([mine.lat, mine.lng]).addTo(map);
  marker.bindPopup(mine.name + ': ' + mine.operator);
});

This code creates a new map, adds a tile layer, and then adds a marker for each mine site using the mineData array.

Verdict

So, who is Mines.fyi for? This project is valuable for:

  • Researchers studying the mining industry
  • Policymakers looking to inform decisions about mining regulations
  • The general public interested in learning more about the mining industry
  • Anyone looking for a fascinating example of data visualization in action

What do you think about Mines.fyi? Have you explored the map and learned something new about the mining industry in the US? Share your thoughts and comments below!

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