The map of the internet

Imagine an internet without the sat nav that is Google, having to explore the depths of the web armed with nothing but a map, a sense of adventure and a strong antivirus program. Every man would be a Christopher Columbus of his lunch hour, bringing back unknown cat videos and sports rumours.

Deviant artist The 9988 has helped fulfil part of this dream with this marvellous creation, the Map of the Internet. A dizzying spectacle, the artist explains that it "aims for successful compendation [sic] of The Internet to scale suitable for standardised online navigation".

He's quick to admit that only a tiny fraction of the web is represented with fictional continents, while various timelines, visitor stats and miscellany boarders the main spectacle. The 9988 promises more detailed versions of the map will follow, but anyone who wants to browse the current version can buy one here.

Click to enlarge, and prepare to lose yourself for the rest of the day. Just watch your browser around the Despicable Sea, some nasty stuff lurks in those waters.

(Image: The 9988)