Geo.me adds real-time data layers to Google maps

Online mapping company Geo.me has unveiled new technology allowing travel companies to input real-time data into Google maps.

Online mapping company Geo.me has unveiled new technology allowing travel companies to input real-time data into Google maps.

The company presented the new software to around 30 potential clients at Google’s UK head offices in Victoria yesterday (Thursday March 17).

It allows businesses to embed custom Google maps into their sites with additional layers of data like the locations of trains, ships or coaches, weather and pricing by taking feeds direct from their websites.

The new software uses information from databases and networks and has already been implemented by companies like camping secialist Pitchup.com.

Geo.me director Jim Strong said: “We have developed a very agile platform framework to rapidly provision mapping solutions to customers.

“It allows users to configure various requirements across many applications, merge them into a single application and configure that to companies’ precise business needs. What that means is companies can get rich intuitive mapping solutions in no time.”

Mapping technology has already proven effective for other travel companies. Intercontinental Hotels had a 35% increase in online conversion rates immediately after launching Google maps.

Geo.me combines this stardard Google maps functionality with the ability to add layers of data. That means companies can show the real time location of moving assets while also providing everything from weather data and prices to business locations.

Strong said he was particularly pleased with the low price barrier for the system. “Our business is very sound because we haven’t got any major infrastructure costs to pay,” he said. “Our providers are Google and Amazon.com.

“On top of that, it is all our own IP so we can make things like heat maps and route corridors. The algorithms we have got allow us to manage large amounts of data, which now means it’s very feasible to have a web GIS working in real time with customers’ data.”

Strong believes the other advantage Geo.me has over previous solutions is its ease of implementation. Customers simply have to add some HTML code into their existing site. Geo.me takes over from there, updating maps, handling problems and adding new layers when needed.

Businesses don’t have to train or take on additional staff and they don’t have to maintain server infrastructure, like other cloud applications.