The platform allows users to overlay historical maps onto modern geography, adjusting opacity to reveal long-lost structures and trails. Campbell originally developed the tool for his own metal detection hobby, using it to pinpoint potential sites for uncovering artifacts. After sharing his progress on Reddit, he discovered a wider audience eager to explore local history through his custom interface, which draws on publicly available data from the US Geological Survey.
A former Meta engineer bets on old maps instead of AI
Craig Campbell walked away from a blank check offered by venture capitalists to build a niche website, bucking the industry trend of chasing artificial intelligence. While his peers pivoted toward automated tools, the former Meta engineer focused on Past Maps, a project that is finding success through organic search.
His decision to ignore the AI gold rush arrived in 2022, immediately following the sale of his previous e-commerce venture. Despite pressure from investors to launch another startup, Campbell chose to cultivate a sustainable business in a sector many deem stagnant. By focusing on utility and organic traffic rather than speculative software, he has carved out a functional corner of the web that remains resilient even as Google’s search landscape continues to shift.
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