The Hyperloop One project keeps creeping closer to reality. But what would a global chain of high-speed hyperloop systems really look like?

Well, to look into our potential future, we're looking back a few years. In 2003, graphic artist and writer Mark Ovenden created the World Metro Map. Updated in 2008, the map connects major cities of the world with traditional railway and subway systems.

There's also this map created by Chris Grey around the same time Ovenden created his in 2003:

[Image Source: Flickr]

There's been a push for continental connectivity more now than ever before. Many hope Hyperloop One could provide the solution to overnight flights and lengthy drives between countries. Elon Musk's LA-based brainchild picked 35 engineering teams as a part of a larger global challenge. These teams will present their own unique ideas for regional connectivity specific to their area. These presentations will happen at various showcases starting next month.

Hyperloop One also recently appointed a new Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. Tech veteran Brent Callinicos will take over both offices to develop a stable financial plan to support a rapidly evolving technology base.

In an interview with Inverse, Hyperloop One President of Engineering Josh Giegel said, "It's more than just a train, or a pod in a tube. We're taking it to a new level of connectivity and really being the high-speed backbone of future transportation work."

Musk himself said the Hyperloop might be humanity's only practical hope for speedy interconnected travel:

"Short of figuring out real teleportation, which would of course be awesome (someone please do this), the only option for super-fast travel is to build a tube over or under the ground that contains a special environment."

Last spring, the Hyperloop One made headlines with a successful high-speed test. The pods hit a speed of 116 mph (187 km/h) in 2.5 seconds. While this isn't anywhere close to the Hyperloop's promised speed of over 700 mph, it's still an insanely impressive feat for the test phase. You can watch a clip of the testing below:

SOURCE : Inverse