Stories

Sharing maps and spatial content has become the favourite feature for web sites and portals in 2007 according to Phil Allen, General Manager of GeoSmart Maps, (just back from a research trip to the US) who was the main presenter. He outlined how many New Zealand companies are now using GeoSmart's web mapping API's (Application Programming Interface) tools on their Intranets and web sites.

Examples were given from call centres through to camping grounds that now provide maps and 'on demand' printable directions on their websites from anywhere in NZ using GeoSmart's full turn restriction database which is also used in most car navigation products here. Allen explained that maps are not all created equal and that the company went to considerable expense to drive virtually all public roads (roads that were drafted but never constructed) and collecting data such as the actual road centreline, speed zones, implicit and legal turn restrictions and much more, because there was no adequate database available.

GeoSmart is actively looking to partner with web developers and solution providers, both in providing data and tools and in R & D to support initiatives. "A³ is an acronym that describes the future of LBS." said Business Development manager, Luigi Cappel."It stands for Anytime, Anyplace and Any device. Our database can be used on a mobile phone such as with Vodafone Live with full maps and directions and will form the basis of everything from emergancy assistance through to mobile permission based marketing."

Given the success of this first seminar, GeoSmart plans to take the semiar series on the road to other centres, giving web developers access to the knowledge and technology that GeoSmart has gained after almost 30 years in the business.