# Global Internet Blueprints Greg Mahlknecht Compiles a Map of the Master Internet Cables By Omar Yusuf | Published 2011-07-16 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/greg-mahlknecht References: [techcentral.co.za](http://www.techcentral.co.za/s-african-develops-free-submarine-cables-map/15814/) & [cablemap.info](http://www.cablemap.info/) Partly out of necessity but mostly out of curiosity, Durban-based software developer Greg Mahlknecht has personally created a [map of the real-life Internet](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vector-maps) by compiling resources online, and he's released the chart for all to see! Where does the Internet come from? Well, about 99 percent of Internet traffic in the world travels through [large underwater cables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/data-connectivity), which connect countries and continents. Until now, we've only had a vague idea of where those wires were, but thanks to Greg Mahlknecht, we have a more complete image of how the real-life infrastructure of the Net is arranged. Interestingly, the map clearly shows the growing online structure gradually supporting Africa's development, particularly on the continent's southern and western regions. Steve Song, a telecommunications expert at the Shuttleworth Foundation, actually maintains a blog on the developing African Internet network, called [Many Possibilities](http://manypossibilities.net/african-undersea-cables/). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.5/10 - Popularity: 68% | Activity: 89% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Computers](https://www.trendhunter.com/computers) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Real-life Internet Infrastructure Mapping:** Opportunity to develop mapping tools that show the most recent infrastructure of the internet and its layout. - **Growing Online Structure Development:** Opportunity for businesses to establish a stable and robust online presence in Africa's developing regions and Southern and Western regions. - **Underwater Cable Connectivity:** Opportunity for businesses involved in the production and maintenance of underwater cables to market their products to meet the growing demand for connectivity in developing regions around the world. ### Who This Affects Most - **Geospatial Mapping:** Opportunity for businesses to develop and implement geospatial mapping tools that help visualize and analyze the internet infrastructure worldwide. - **Telecommunications:** Opportunity for businesses to provide affordable and reliable internet services in developing regions such as Southern and Western Africa. - **Underwater Cable Production:** Opportunity for businesses to produce, operate, and maintain a cost-effective and reliable network of undersea cables to support growing internet demands worldwide. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Network Performance Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/internetspeedtestcom.md) - [Satellite Internet Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spacex.md) - [To-Scale Interactive Maps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/true-size-of-countries.md) - [Interactive Universe Maps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/universe-map.md) - [Global Pixel Canvas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wplace.md) - [Intentional Online Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/slow-internet.md) - [Internet Access-Expanding Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kenya-digischool.md) - [Collaborative Mapping Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atlasco-1.md) - [Ultra-Efficient Fiber Internet Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fiber-internet-service.md)