Unfortunately despite the massive volume of data that comes through Twitter’s real-time API, very little of it is geocoded. Twitter’s API for example is the “hello world” of real-time applications. There are a handful of services now offering real-time data APIs. Real-time data was the theme of this year’s GeoWeb conference (although I didn’t see too many talks specifically covering it). Based on Apple’s history of taking open source tools and making well designed user experiences for them, I think Open Street Map would be a good fit, but only time will tell. What I think will be most interesting about this is who they pick as a data provider. Recent job postings are just the latest evidence for this, along with the recent purchases of two geocompanies. It is not too much of a stretch to think that Google will continue to refine it into something that can replace a traditional GIS for some people.įrankly I’m surprised this has not already happened, as maps are pretty much the only part of iOS that are powered by Google, or anyone other than Apple for matter. It is not going to replace traditional GIS tools for most professionals, but it is certainly the easiest way to get data into Google Maps – and simple analysis is possible. With Fusion Tables becoming spatial, Google is enabling users to do some very powerful GIS tasks on their platform. Google adding spatial data support to Fusion Tables was arguably one of the most important new releases of 2010, but could just be the tip of the iceberg. Even traditional GPS navigation companies like TomTom are introducing crowdsourced elements to their smartphone apps. I use Google’s data for finding directions with Google Maps, and I have a feeling many who pan crowdsourcing for being “unauthoratiative” do as well without even knowing that crowdsourced data is being used behind the scenes. When Google’s Canada map data switched this year, I reported several errors in my neighbourhood which were quickly fixed. Google’s home-rolled map data, while not open data, is crowdsourced. Crowdsourced Data Gains More AcceptanceĬrowdsourced data is going to gain much more acceptance. Based on the preview that was WhereCamp5280, it is going to be a great time.Ģ. Paired with the 2011 State of the Map conference in the same city, Denver is going to be the place to be this year. The backing of GITA will surely bring some new faces who are interested in seeing what this whole open source thing is all about. In addition to OpenStreetMap, FOSS4G will be returning to the US this year. They still face some hurdles with the road network in North America not being as complete as parts of Europe, but hopefully the support of aol (MapQuest’s parent company) and Microsoft will help push the map forward. With MapQuest releasing an OSM powered site for the United States and Microsoft bringing OSM creator Steve Coast on board, OpenStreetMap is sure to have a big year. Be sure to let me know if you agree or disagree with me in the comments. While making predictions can be a dangerous game, I thought I would share a few of my personal predictions on my favourite topics for geo as we enter 2011.
#GEO 5 USERS IN UNITED STATES PROFESSIONAL#
Consumer geo apps like Fourquare and Gowalla took off, while us professional geonerds got some cool new tools too.