Feb/March 2007

Is there such a thing as free mobile phone-based navigation and mapping? Yes, according to LocatioNet, an established specialist in online mapping and location-based services.

It has launched a system called amAze, which is funded by targeted advertising and is effectively free to consumers, though the company points out that network charges may apply.

The system offers many of the same benefits that are available from other, paid-for navigation services, including visual and voice guidance to any destination; searching by address; dynamic, high-quality maps at various scales; and calculation of the fastest route between two locations. It also integrates with functions such as Yellow Pages searching.

amAze is already said to support about 100 Java-enabled mobile handset models, and claims to be adding more handsets every week. Windows Mobile and BlackBerry versions are due to be released soon.

 

The company says future versions of amAze will feature high-quality aerial photos, satellite images and topographical maps on a wide coverage as well as weather conditions. Additional regions will also be added to the mapping information.

LocatioNet, an Israeli company, has been in the mobile market for over ten years, and was set up in its present form eight years ago. It has grown rapidly, striking associations with mobile phone and related companies such as Trimble, and establishing bases in the US and Asia. Established applications include MyMap, a mobile search solution for Java- and BREW-enabled mobiles.

Over the years it has also developed a GIS engine that supports map rendering, geocoding and routing for all third-party location-based services, and it also sells its own applications into consumer and corporate markets.