And their permanence allowed the campaign to develop vital local insight: to build detailed voter files on potential supporters, field test the best ways to motivate them, and push them to cast their votes weeks before Election Day.

CNN: Analysis: Obama won with a better ground game

The views and little stops along the way make this one of the best (and possibly most overlooked) treks on the planet, a glorious march -- or in my case, occasional scramble, that includes hot springs retreats, delicious local food and rich cultural insight into a relatively unexplored part of Japan.

CNN: World's best unknown hike: Japan's Kumano Kodo

Because it takes virtually all residential property sales into account, the Land Registry's figures can provide a unique insight into not only national but local prices.

BBC: House price surveys explained

The local elections on May 1st will provide some insight.

ECONOMIST: The Labour government

Local and indigenous knowledge systems and environmental management practices provide valuable insight and tools for tackling ecological challenges.

UNESCO: Indigenous Media, Empowering Indigenous Voices

So the local couple created the Yorkshire Food Finder trails, culinary tours offering an insight into how the region's specialities are created, bred or grown.

BBC: Eat your way around Yorkshire