JetBrains interviews Andrew Kelley about Zig [video]

Published 2026-05-28 · Updated 2026-05-28

The Unexpected Geometry of Travel: Andrew Kelley and the Zig Framework

Have you ever stared at a map, meticulously planning a route, only to find yourself utterly lost in the details – the winding roads, the tiny towns, the seemingly random clusters of points? It’s a familiar frustration, and one that Andrew Kelley, the data-driven travel architect behind *Atlas Obscura*, has spent years trying to understand. His recent interview with JetBrains explores a fascinating approach to visualizing and organizing complex travel information – a method he calls “Zig.” It’s not just about plotting a journey; it’s about recognizing the underlying patterns, the surprising connections, and the sheer, beautiful geometry of the world’s most interesting places. This isn’t about meticulously curated itineraries; it’s about understanding *why* those places are clustered, and using that understanding to build a richer, more intuitive travel experience.

Decoding the Clusters: What is the Zig Framework?

Kelley’s Zig framework isn’t a software tool in the traditional sense, though it's certainly inspiring a new way of thinking about data. It’s a process – a way of looking at travel data, particularly geographic data, that emphasizes identifying and mapping clusters. He describes it as a way to move beyond simply listing destinations to understanding their relationships. At its core, Zig relies on visualizing points on a map and then grouping them based on proximity and shared characteristics. Instead of seeing individual cities or landmarks, you see a network of interconnected points, each representing a significant location.

The key is using a "layering" approach. Kelley advocates starting with broad layers – continents, then countries, then regions – and gradually refining the detail as you identify clusters. He emphasizes that the initial layers are deliberately vague, allowing for serendipitous discovery. For example, when initially mapping the locations of Atlas Obscura’s featured places, he started with broad geographical regions like “Eastern Europe” and “Southeast Asia.” It was only as he began to identify clusters – say, a concentration of abandoned mines in the Appalachian Mountains – that he moved to more specific layers like “West Virginia” and “Pennsylvania.” This iterative process avoids getting bogged down in excessive detail at the outset, focusing instead on the larger patterns.

Beyond the Tourist Trail: The Power of Unexpected Connections

The beauty of Zig isn’t just in the visualization; it’s in the insights it reveals. Kelley uses the framework to highlight destinations that are often overlooked by traditional tourism. He’s not interested in simply recommending the “top 10” cities. Instead, he’s interested in uncovering hidden gems – places that share characteristics, often because of shared history, geology, or cultural influences.

A compelling example is the clustering of numerous abandoned mining towns across the Appalachian Mountain region of the United States. These towns, scattered across several states, aren’t linked by a common tourist attraction. However, their shared history – as boomtowns fueled by coal – and their similar geographical constraints (often in remote, mountainous areas) create a compelling network. This isn’t a “bucket list” destination; it’s a chance to explore a forgotten chapter of American history and experience a unique landscape. Kelley’s approach encourages travelers to consider destinations that might seem disparate at first glance, revealing unexpected connections.

Practical Application: Building Your Own Zig Map

So, how can you apply the Zig framework to your own travel planning? It doesn’t require specialized software. Start with a map – a physical map, a digital map like Google Maps, or even a spreadsheet. Begin by identifying key destinations you’re interested in visiting. Then, start grouping them based on proximity. Don't be afraid to start broad. Consider using thematic filters – for example, grouping destinations by “historical significance,” “natural beauty,” or “culinary experiences.”

Here's a specific action item: If you’re planning a trip to Italy, instead of just focusing on Rome, Florence, and Venice, start mapping out all the smaller towns and regions that share a common characteristic – perhaps a history of olive oil production, or a concentration of medieval castles. Another practical tip: Utilize publicly available datasets. Organizations like the U.S. Geological Survey offer detailed geographic data that can be imported into mapping tools to build your own Zig map. This allows you to experiment with different layers and groupings without relying solely on pre-existing travel guides.

The Future of Travel: Data-Driven Discovery

Kelley’s work with Zig represents a shift in how we think about travel. It’s moving away from a model of simply consuming pre-packaged experiences to a model of actively discovering and interpreting the world around us. The framework highlights the importance of data – not just as a source of information, but as a tool for understanding and connection. As more travel data becomes available and mapping technologies continue to evolve, the Zig framework will likely become an increasingly valuable tool for travelers seeking authentic and meaningful experiences. It’s about recognizing that the world is inherently complex and that the most rewarding journeys often come from embracing that complexity.

**Takeaway:** The Zig framework isn’t about finding the perfect itinerary; it’s about learning to see the world in a new way – to recognize the hidden patterns and connections that make travel so rewarding. Start small, experiment with different layers, and embrace the unexpected.

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