Past Maps proves the old web can still pay off in the AI era

In 2022, Craig Campbell left a VC-backed AI path to launch Past Maps, a site that overlays historical maps onto modern ones. Built initially from a metal-detection hobby and shared on Reddit, the service has grown to hundreds of thousands of monthly visitors primarily through organic search and now runs as a subscription business ($9/week or $52/year) with ads largely avoided. Campbell uses AI for front-line customer triage and to develop OCR for maps, pairing automation with human judgment to keep operations efficient and scalable. The story highlights a practical, human-centered approach to online publishing in today's AI-driven landscape.