WebProNews

As it has often been discussed, since the launch of the Google Maps service, especially the satellite image aspect, there have been a number of hacks and utilities developed that further the usability of Google's popular tool.

However and with thanks to BoingBoing.net for pointing it out, there's a new API-developed Google Maps hack called HYDESim who delivers query returns can be quite staggering. A hint as to why this particular Google Maps hack is capable of producing such stark reaction lies in the tool's name (HYDESim), which stands for High-Yield Detonation Effects Simulator.

As the title implies, HYDESim shows the area effects of a nuclear detonation by using a radii to simulate the areas that would be affected if a particular area had a ground-level explosion of this type occur. According to the site's description, HYDESim details the following:... these radii are an indicator of structural damage to buildings. No other effects, such as thermal damage or fallout levels, are included in this tool. Note that the displayed rings are "idealized"; that is, no account is taken of terrain, urban density, ground type, weather conditions, and so on.

The data used in HYDESim are based on information found in "The Effects of Nuclear Weapons", 3rd Edition, by Samuel Glasstone and Philip J. Dolan.

Chris Richardson is a search engine writer and editor for WebProNews. Visit WebProNews for the latest search news.