“For the time being, MapQuest seems able to maintain its number one position in the US with more than 40 million unique visitors per month by launching new interactive Map 2.0 features such as My Places,” says ABI Research practice director Dominique Bonte. “It allows users to set up an account and access saved locations on MapQuest’s mobile application, resulting in a seamless experience. However, Google is expected to emerge as the market leader by the end of 2009, driven by superior virtual reality-based navigation simulation, Latitude social networking features, and traffic generated from Google Search. All major mapping portals now also offer dynamic location content such as real-time traffic and weather.“
Europe shows a similar trend with traditional regional online mapping sites such as MapQuest, Multimap, Falk, and ViaMichelin being challenged by Internet companies. In developing regions such as China and Korea Internet mapping sites are facing strict government regulation limiting the use of aerial imagery.
A new category of navigation and LBS portals is emerging with both TomTom and Nokia recently announcing online route planners. Off-board navigation providers such as Appello and Wayfinder have been offering online mapping portals for many years.
The fixed-mobile convergence trend will continue to drive the integration between mobile and desktop mapping for applications such as social networking and advertising. At the same time the boundaries between fixed and mobile computing systems are blurring.
“ PC-Based Location Services” ( http://www.abiresearch.com/products/market_research/PC-Based_Location_Services), a new study from ABI Research, provides an overview of online mapping sites, navigation and LBS portals, including descriptions of the main trends, ecosystem and value chain, business models, drivers and barriers, vendor market shares and forecasts per region and portal type. The report forms part of the firm’s Location Based Services Research Service ( http://www.abiresearch.com/products/service/Location_Based_Services).
ABI Research provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of emerging trends in global connectivity. From offices in North America, Europe and Asia, ABI Research’s worldwide team of experts advise thousands of decision makers through research and advisory services in seven key practice areas. Est. 1990. For more information visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.
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