It seems internet marketing experts invent a new acronym or buzzword every day so we have compiled this list of words we use throughout the website to give you more information about some of the terms we use.
Interactive Maps
Interactive maps are more than just static images; they allow users to decide how and what they want to see. Interactive maps are available from many different mapping companies and offer a wide range of functionality but the one thing they all have in common is that the user is in control of the mapping experience.
Here at Earthware we see interactive maps as much more than gimmicks, properly used than can enhance and explain your products and services to your customers in an intuitive and exciting way.
Geocoding
Geocoding, Geolocating, Geotagging all refer to the process of working out the location of an object on a map. Whether you are locating a property, a photo you took or a geographical feature at some point someone has to work out the geographical position of that object.
The location of an object can be worked out in a number of ways including:
- Manually marking on a map
- Using postal addresses
- Using location data from Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
If you would like to talk to Earthware about how we can help with geolocation for your project please contact us
Google Earth
Google Earth allows users to browse the earth like a virtual globe, zooming in to see detailed satellite imagery and geographical information. Google Earth can be downloaded free for personal usage but for business use you must subscribe to Google Earth Pro which as well as providing faster loading of maps also allows you to create videos that can be used in your marketing activities.
Google Earth can be used to show your own products allowing your clients to experience your products in a easy to use immersive way. Here at Earthware we work with companies to integrate their data and products into Google Earth as well as integrating links to and from their website.
Google Earth allows photorealistic 3d Models to be created and placed into Google Earth, you can see an examples of this technique in our VScapes product.
To experience Google Earth for yourself, please use the link below to download Google Earth.
To see examples of the how Earthware have helped clients use Google Earth to make the most of their products please see our vscapes section.
Google Maps
Unlike Google Earth, Google Maps does not require you to download and install a program, the maps run in any normal web browser. Google maps can be use to show roadmaps, aerial photography and hybrid maps (road maps and aerial maps combined).
Google maps can be integrated directly into your website making Google Maps a very powerful website tool to present your products to your clients.
Google Maps can be used for free on public websites (i.e. not password protected), and now also has a commercial license available that offers better support.
Earthware are making extensive use of Google Maps to help our clients present their products in a compelling and intuitive geographical context.
If you would like to talk to us about using Google Maps for your project please contact us
Global Positioning System (GPS)
GPS is a system for pinpointing your location using signals from satellites. Developed by the United States Department of Defence in the early 90s it has been fully available for public use since May 2, 2000.
GPS can be used in a number of ways from geocoding the position of an stationary object to tracking the live moments of animals, vehicles and people.
If you would like to talk to us about using GPS with other mapping technologies for your project please contact us
Microsoft MapPoint Webservices
"Microsoft Mappoint Web Services" are a collection of mapping services commercially available from Microsoft. These services include mapping, route finding, geocoding and distance calculations.
Mappoint services can be used in combination with internet, windows applications and mobile applications to create powerful mapping solutions for your business.
If you would like to talk to us about using mappoint for your project please contact us
Microsoft MultiMap
Multimap are a UK & European focused mapping company recently bought by Microsoft.
MultiMap's unique mapping API has many innovative features to help web based map developers, to read more about them please visit our Multimap API blog post
If you would like to talk to us about using MultiMap for your web site project please contact us
Microsoft Virtual Earth
Microsoft Virtual Earth allows your website visitors to see detailed maps actually on your website, without having to download anything.
Maps can be zoomed in and out and panned around and with a recent release be viewed completely in 3D including some cities with 3d Models.
Virtual Earth has two unique features, complete UK satellite coverage and ‘birds eye views’ which are available for some cities worldwide. To read more about ‘birds eye views’ and see some examples please read our Birds Eye & Aerial Imagery section.
Virtual Earth is a commercial product and has a complex pricing model depending on the type and volume of usage, Earthware work in partnership with Microsoft UK to ensure the best value mapping costs for our clients.
Earthware are making extensive use of Virtual Earth to help our clients present their products in a compelling and intuitive geographical context like our property mapping solution Earthware Property.
If you would like to talk to us about using Virtual Earth for your project please contact us
Web 2.0
'Web 2.0' is nothing but a marketing buzzword, there is no 'standard' or even technology that defines 'Web 2.0'. What 'Web 2.0' use used to describe are websites and web technologies that are perceived to be second-generation web based services.
Examples of 'Web 2.0' technologies usually involve giving website visitors much greater control over the content they view, including adding their own content, this is why interactive mapping is often used on Web 2.0 websites as it gives users a much simpler way of controlling what they wish to see.
To read a full discussion of 'Web 2.0' and its origins please read this Wikipedia article.