8Motions blog

Let me introduce today one of the coolest thing, both from the technical point of view and end user point of view of the new 8Motions client: the “Mapz”.
What is a mapz?

It’s to map what widget is to the web…A small map oriented application, focused on doing one task, but doing it well. User can select one or more mapz to be downloaded on his phone.

Example of mapz:

• Google “MyMap” published on a mobile
• a traffic overlay (Mapz)
• The list of flickr pictures near you, or Fon hotspots…
• A new map provider: OpenStreeMap for instance
• “Velib” map. Show available velib (bicycle stations in Paris), and ask to the server the remaining bicycle on selected stations….
• Interconnection with a collaborative Geolocalized Wiki: TellMeWhere ( Mapz)

Mapz creator: everybody!

A mapz can be created by many people, no needs to be a developer (but of course, as a developer, you have more possibilities!)

• it can be a simple KML file! Now, so many contents are available as a KML file, that putting a KML link to create a new mapz is a matter of seconds. A cool way to publish content on mobile.
• it can save user preference
• it can contains some intelligent behavior
• Mapz can contain some scripting code, JavaScript based. For instance, you can create a function called when you click on a point. This function could for instance do a request on the server to fetch more detailed information.
• it can save user preference
• All your mapz and mapz data are synced with the server. If you use the same username/password on a different mobile, you’ll find all your mapz and preference

Current status: Mapz is still early and in development, API is not yet documented, but we are workig on this.
But if you are interested, drop me a line, or use the discussion forum.

Identificateurs Technorati : widgets, mobile, maps

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 18th, 2007 at 10:53 pm and is filed under 8Motions, J2memap. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.