Have you ever wondered where all the Skype users are located, and if there are any Skype users in your local area?

Using Google Earth an enterprising developer called Yahagi from Japan has come up with a way for you to add your location details to a map and find out who is around you.

SKMaps

The maps are pretty detailed. You can see all users at a glance from around the globe.

And drill down to a neighbourhood to see who is around you.

Take a look for yourself at http://www.gatagata.jp/SKSweets/ja/map_ww.html

It’s a relatively new service and will grow as more and more Skype users add their location data.

Adding yourself is simple; the web page has full instructions.
You simply add SKSweets to your Skype buddies list, use Goolge Earth to find your latitude and longitude then add it to your Skype profile, and your ready to tell the world were you are in 3 easy steps.

Notice anything interesting about the maps above? Look closely at the Skype icons shown.
Got it yet?

The icons show the users presence, so you can tell who is near you and if they are online and availiable to talk.

Very cool.