GetFlake

GetFlake is a Japanese web application designed to track personal weather conditions based on the occurrence of snowflakes at a specific location. The service was launched in December 2010 and is developed by a Japanese software company.

According to the developers, the project aims to create a virtual snowbank where users can share and view the snowflake values, which are determined by the timestamp of the snowfall at their location. Users submit their snowflake counts through the website or by installing the application on their smartphone.

GetFlake users can view a map of accumulated snow layers at their location or at other global locations, displayed in the form of increasingly complex snowflake patterns. The keys are colors representing the plural number of snowflakes at a given location.

The number and complexity of snowflakes increase as the number of snowflakes accumulates. Users can compare their snowflake levels to those of others and discuss the results on the application's special blog or across social media.

Additionally, GetFlake provides weather information and forecasts, enabling users to check real-time snow conditions and make the most of winter activities like skiing, sledding, or simply enjoying the winter scenery. Project developers have hinted at improving GetFlake through significant additions or adjustments to its data analysis, further enhancing the interface's visual appeal and practical utility.

Despite its uniquely focused nature, GetFlake has gained recognition in the realm of creative data visualization and its tie to Japan's seasonal changes, such as the festivities surrounding the Setagaya Sakura Festival.