Murdermap

Every murder ever recorded in London is displayed graphically here on a "murder map", and indexed by an advanced site search that allows filtering by several parameters. A researcher can drill down to individual cases and then move on to read further about each specific case.

I imagine a lot of visitors will have mixed feelings, and those who only read or hear about this and don't choose to visit, are all going to be shocked and horrified by the tastelessness of and insensitivity of it all. Especially as it looks to be at least partially powered by advertising.

On the other hand, I can see there are positive arguments too, aside from the potential usefulness of the database to criminal researchers. You'll really have to make up your own mind on this one.

Setting all other issues aside, if that's possible, it's a classic example of using web technology to present data that's normally obscure in an easily understandable way. And you don't have to visit. Somehow though, if you're a Londoner or have ever been one, it's going to be hard to stay away.

For the record this has just been launched at the time of writing, so please feel free to update this review with comments in future.