A Hacker News user built an interactive map of US navigational aids and lighthouses after a Wikipedia deep dive revealed scattered data. The webapp visualizes the Coast Guard's annual light list, showing locations, colors, and characteristics with animated graphics. It was created with Claude Code assistance during a weekend flu.

The project addresses a gap in accessible data for maritime enthusiasts. While the Coast Guard publishes its Light List, it's not presented in a modern, interactive format. This tool transforms that raw data into a visual, educational resource, though it carries a clear disclaimer against navigational use.

For developers and hobbyists, this demonstrates practical data extraction and webapp development. The creator used available public data and AI assistance to build something useful quickly. The map offers a new perspective on the thousands of active beacons along American coasts.