March 9, 2006
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IDA and agis Pte Ltd, a local SME, have completed one of the world's first Digital Map Application Platform for Smartphones (Project Spaceman). The Software Development Kit (SDK), Application Programming Interface (API) document and a sample application with source codes are available at http://mp.tech.org.sg/spaceman/
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The objectives of the collaboration project are :
- Make available a smartphone-based low cost street directory for the mass market;
- Create an open application map platform that allows 3rd party software developers to add a simple map layer (e.g. WLAN hotspot locations) and/or display map locations on smartphones;
- Provide an alternative method of providing location information.
The emergence of smartphones in the marketplace provides a suitable platform for sophisticated and complex applications to deliver user-friendly interface for Location-Based Services (LBS) and map related applications. The smartphone market is currently dominated by Symbian platform. IDC has forecasted shipment of 30 million smartphone devices in 2004 and 86% compound annual growth through 2007 (sources : IDC's "
Worldwide Mobile Phone Forecast and Analysis Report, 2003-2007" and "
Worldwide Smart Handheld Devices Forecast and Analysis, 2003-2007"). Symbian-powered smartphones include Nokia N-Gage, Nokia N-Gage QD, Nokia 6600, Siemens SX1, Sendo X, Panasonic X700, Sony Ericsson P910 and Motorola A1000. More information are available
here.
Using the map platform SDK, IDA has developed a sample mobile application independently. The application allows road users to report and receive traffic information updates from their mobile phones. The application and its corresponding source codes are available for download. With the availability of the SDK and the sample application, it will help 3
rd party software developers to kick start their mobile applications development which requires access to mobile map content.
IDA hopes that with the creation of the open map platform, it will help grow the LBS eco-system locally and enable software developers to create more compelling LBS applications for the Singapore market. It is also the aim of IDA to use the Spaceman project as a showcase to encourage local developers to create more cutting edge applications for the emerging Smartphone platform. Typical applications that may be developed on the Spaceman map platforms include directory services (e.g. bus guides, food guides), taxi booking and navigation guides.
Software developers and companies are welcome to contact IDA at
mw@ida.gov.sg for further information.