Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Points of Interest (POIs) are specific geographic locations that someone has deemed notable enough to record, categorize, and share. They are the atoms of navigation, tourism, urban planning, and location-based services.
Any fixed location with **identity, utility, or significance** to a user group:
| Category | Examples | Primary Users |
|---|---|---|
| Cultural / Heritage | Museums, monuments, ruins, churches, temples, historic districts, UNESCO sites | Tourists, researchers, locals |
| Natural | Waterfalls, peaks, beaches, parks, reserves, viewpoints, caves, hot springs | Hikers, nature lovers, photographers |
| Commercial / Retail | Shops, malls, markets, restaurants, cafes, banks, ATMs, gas stations | Shoppers, commuters, tourists |
| Transport | Airports, train/metro/bus stations, ports, parking, EV charging, bike share | Travelers, commuters, logistics |
| Public Services | Hospitals, clinics, police, post offices, libraries, government offices, schools | Residents, visitors in need |
| Recreation / Entertainment | Theaters, cinemas, stadiums, amusement parks, gyms, pools, nightlife | Leisure seekers |
| Accommodation | Hotels, hostels, campgrounds, B&Bs, vacation rentals | Overnight visitors |
| Utilities / Infrastructure | Water towers, substations, cell towers, waste facilities (often hidden POIs) | Technicians, planners |
POIs are how we **make space legible**. They turn coordinates into meaning. A map without POIs is just geometry; with them, it's a guide to human experience.