Google Maps Competition: Meta, AWS, Microsoft and TomTom Join Forces

Interoperable Open Map Data – this is what the Overture Maps Foundation is working on under the Linux Foundation. Cards should be global and better than ever. Big tech companies Meta, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services and TomTom have joined in for the act. However, everyone is now free to support the project.

In concrete terms, existing mapping data is to be aggregated and brought together. Companies that release their data will get as announced In return, current and accurate maps for their use. The physical world is changing. And because the data is open source, there will be a whole community developing additional services based on it.

Google Maps and Apple’s map service compete

Allianz even admits that it is impossible for one company to keep a map service up to date with all the changes in the world on its own. A statement that clearly points in the direction of Google and thus Google Maps. Because currently it is the most used map service in the world. In fact, the parables now have at least one weakness. It’s been a few years since Google’s camera cars recorded the streets of Germany, and private individuals must now do the same. Some new paths move slowly. But the abundance of additional information and links on Google Maps is almost overwhelming.

Specifically, the Overture Foundation seeks to aggregate data that it receives from its members, donations and open sources such as OpenStreetMap or city planning offices. The data should be compatible with OpenStreetMap accordingly. Entities from different data sources must be routed through a new, interoperable system to the relevant entity in the physical world. Through quality testing, the cards must also be stable and secure enough to be used in production systems. A simple scheme should be made for use.

Map data is needed for many services, far away from the end user who is finding their way – whether for simple fitness trackers or other applications like the Internet of Things for autonomous driving. The commitment to meta can be explained by the fact that location and mapping data will also be important in the metaverse.

The proposal expects first results in the first half of 2023. These should be simple maps with buildings, roads and administrative information. As a result, location, traffic management and 3D information are to be added.

However, at this time there is also competition from Apple. The company is currently working on its own map service and is always publishing new street photos from different cities and regions.

(EMW)