| That information is just at your finger tips. – simply go to www.4dwinner.com/index2.html. Not only will you be able to see the number of strikes at each outlet, their exact location is also plotted on a map (see Figure 1).
Figure 1: Mashup of Lucky Lottery Outlets in Singapore |
In recent years, there has been an explosion of Web based mapping platforms such as Yahoo! Maps, MapQuest, and Google Maps. Some of these such as Google Maps expose the Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to their platforms, enabling users to easily integrate other applications onto the mapping platforms to create custom applications, also known as mashups. The mashup of lucky lottery outlets is one such example. Most of these usages involve the representation of data in a geo-spatial format, which in turn can be used for better spatial analysis, asset management, and even marketing.
According to ProgrammableWeb (www.programmableweb.com), the most popular APIs for mashups are mapping APIs, accounting for over 50% of all mashup applications (see Figure 2). One of the key reasons for this popularity is that these platforms give users access to huge amounts of geographic data, providing street information and aerial/satellite imagery at no cost. The more advanced platforms even offer functionalities, like geocoding, location searches, path routing, and traffic congestion information.
Figure 2: Top APIs for Mashups |
Many of these mapping platforms also come with a mobile version that can be displayed on mobile computing devices such as mobile phones, smart phones, PDAs and others. Coupled with the trend that more mobile devices now come with Global Positioning System (GPS), users can now identify their existing location easily, opening up new opportunities for location-based services.
Beyond 2D mapping platforms, 3D mapping platforms, also known as Virtual Globe1 platforms, have received much attention recently with the release of free platforms such as Microsoft's Virtual Earth and Google Earth. Compared with 2D maps, these Virtual Globe platforms give a better representation of our actual physical environment because they can be overlaid with multiple views, including geographical terrains, man-made buildings and structures. An example of the New York City's landscape with 3D building models is shown in Figure 3 below.
Figure 3: New York City Landscape with 3D Buildings |
Increasingly, companies have also developed location mashups to improve internal operations, as well as to provide interactive information to customers. Real estate companies are one of the early adopters of this usage.
American real estate company, John L. Scott Real Estate for instance, has integrated Microsoft's Virtual Earth services into its Web site, letting potential clients search for properties in the Northwest using 3D aerial views and interactive maps (www.johnlscott.com/SearchInteractive.aspx). The company reported a 46% jump in online visits, including return visits as a result of this feature.
Today, companies from a variety of of industries have also adopted the usage of mashup, using Microsoft's MapPoint Web service and Virtual Earth platform. These include Best Buy, Century 21, DaimlerChrysler, FedEx, Ford, General Motors, Starbucks and Target.
Reference:
- 1 A Virtual Globe can be defined as a 3D software model or representation of the Earth or another world. It is based on the concept of using computers to stimulate distant physical environment.
Contributed by Mr Ngin Hoon Tong, Consultant, Technology and Planning Group, IDA.
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