These are some so-called tiny planet (or little planet) photos of Washington DC's landmarks. They're real photos—not generated graphics. They start as a 360-degree spherical image and then use software that ramps up the ultra-fish-eye distortion.
Inside the Lincoln Memorial.
The Netherlands Carillon and its tulip garden.
Inside Union Station. The bubble-like pattern is the ceiling of the main hall.
The MLK Memorial.
An ultra-wide perspective of the Peacock Room at the Freer Gallery of Art.
The Iwo Jima Memorial.
Inside the Jefferson Memorial.
A different view of the Peacock Room at the Freer Gallery.
Union Station. This time it's the marble floor dominating, with the ceiling in the tiny circle at the center.
The Federal Reserve Building on Constitution Avenue.
Jefferson Memorial.
Lincoln Memorial.
The Japanese Lantern next to the Tidal Basin.
Arlington Cemetery.
Yet another view of the Peacock Room.
How These Were Made
Basically, these start with an equirectangular photo that's used for a 360-degree spherical panorama. They're then processed using software that can manipulate the distortion.
I have more about how they're made here.
Washington DC Visitor Guides
If you're coming in from out of town, here are some of the most popular guidebooks that can help you make the most of your visit.
- Stephan Van Dam;Illustrator;Editor
- Publisher: VanDam, Inc
- Elise Hartman Ford
- Publisher: FrommerMedia
- Fodor s Washington D C with Mount Vernon Alexandria Annapolis Full color Travel Guide
- Fodor's Travel Guides
- DK Travel
- Publisher: DK Eyewitness Travel
And here are some interesting options for less traditional guidesbooks if you'd like an emphasis on exploring DC on foot or diving into some of the region's very rich history.
- NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
- Barbara Noe Kennedy
- Alison Fortier
- Publisher: The History Press