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I've just uploaded a new version of libhex, my library for manipulating and drawing hexagonal grids. It's available in C++, Python and JavaScript.

[docs, source, examples: C++, Python, SVG]

I've redesigned the SVG output interface. The crazy templates are gone. It's now just a set of simple functions. SVG output …

I've been using (and testing) my new hex-map library. Here's a map of England.

It was generated by a little program that uses NASA's SRTM data as input. The light brown hills are just high ground, but the dark brown hexes are both high and hilly - my program samples the …

I've just uploaded the first draft version of libhex, my library for manipulating and drawing hexagonal grids. It's available in C++, Python and JavaScript.

[docs, source, examples: C++, Python, SVG]

The library comes in two parts. First, there's a geometry section, which describes abstract models of Hexes, Areas, Paths and …

Bonnersfield Lane is a quiet, unmetalled, ancient country lane - right in the centre of suburban Harrow. What a delightful surprise!

I hope I lose interest in Open Street Maps soon, because mapping my local area is proving to be quite an absorbing distraction. Yesterday, I was examining the satellite photographs …

For the past few days I've been playing with the Open Street Maps application. It's a Wiki-like mapping system, that allows you to edit the map. I'm very pleased with the work I've done on the area near my house.

Why bother? Well, I wanted to give someone directions from …

I've just been trying out TextMate on my Mac. Verdict: It's too clever by half.

I currently use SubEthaEdit. It's a nice, no-fuss editor with tabs and syntax highlighting. However, it occasionally hangs annoyingly when connected to a network drive, so I'm open to finding a replacement.

TextMate is often …

I can't remember why, now, but I just worked out what the price of petrol is in the US... 40p per litre. That made me lol - I honestly can't remember paying so little. When I first started driving and paying for my own fuel, I paid about 42p - that was …

"New Image" is a car audio shop at 537 Pinner Rd, North Harrow. I suggest you avoid them, and shop elsewhere. I just bought a car stereo from them, but after wasting my morning they've removed it and I'm back to square one.

To start with, the installation went fine …

The Guardian reports that the Greenland Ice Sheet is melting with unprecedented speed. Oh dear!

I've signed up because a colleague wanted to use it as an example for some work I'm doing. So far, the UI is just grim. Here's a list of issues as I find them...

• Why on earth do they need my date of birth? What are they going to do …