Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on December 2009

What happens when a weather service company decides to collaborate with a shipping firm? In the case of Weathernews Inc. and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, the result is a globe-shaped display showing the real-time position of commercial ships around the world, as well as sea temperatures in varying colors. Unveiled at Mitsui’s Tokyo headquarters in October, the map allows the “operator to see at a glance where its ships are positioned and the changing weather patterns that could affect their navigation.” It also offers info on tidal currents and potentially hazardous weather conditions.