SYSTEM FOR COMMUNICATING THROUGH MAPS

An HTTP server connected to the World Wide Web is described. The system allows a user to post arbitrary information to any geographical region simply by outlining the region on a map in the system's graphical user interface and attaching the information to the outlined region. Any user of the system can browse and receive these geographically relevant postings simply by identifying a point or region of interest on one of the system's maps. Users with registered accounts can elect to receive automatic email of postings that are relevant to one or more of their primary geographical coordinates. Mobile users can condition their cell phones or other communications devices to check into the system periodically to receive geographically relevant postings as they travel. The system can be used for communications with a geographically identified group, for governmental and commercial communications with a particular population, and for advertising, among other uses.