Muharrem Yildirim has developed the first major contender towards solving the GML Field Recorder Challenge, which is a 1200 euro prize to produce an easily reproducible DIY device that can unobtrusively record graffiti motion data during a graffiti writer’s normal practice in the city. The GML Recording Machine uses a hacked mechanical mouse in combination with an Arduino to measure the length of two strings attached to the graffiti writer’s feet. The motion captured data is stored in an on board SD card and, with a simple script, is later converted to Graffiti Markup Language (.gml) format. An instruction guide for how to build the device from low cost materials will be on Muharrem’s blog shortly.
The GML Recording Machine is an exciting step forward in the development of technologies for real (as opposed to simulated) graffiti.



I’m excited to announce the official launch of a new project I’ve been working on with Mozilla. Mark Up is an online statement of solidarity in support of a web that should remain open, free and healthy. It’s similar in concept to an online petition where everyone is invited to add their signature, name or mark. Each mark is rendered in 3D using HTML5 and connected end-to-end to form a continuous line, representing a unified global statement on the fundamental importance of an open and free internet. Add your mark and become part of the line that connects you, me, Lawrence Lessig, James Boyle and many others:

Mark Up is an open initiative with both the data and source code freely available. All of the marks are saved as .gml (Graffiti Markup Language) and can be used interchangeably with many other applications.
For any data nerds, the entire collection of marks will be made available here and updated periodically as the site grows.
Much of the credit for this project goes to Laura Mesa and many very busy Mozillians. Development for the project was done primarily by The Barbarian Group.
The source code for a single point of GML written on a train. Writing and updated Spray Can POV design by Drawvolution (original here).


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