Launches Four New Sites on OpenStreetMap Data and Hires Community Ambassador
DENVER — (BUSINESS WIRE) — September 23, 2010 — MapQuest, a wholly owned subsidiary of AOL Inc. (NYSE: AOL), today announced the beta launch of four new European mapping sites built on OpenStreetMap (OSM) data. The sites in France, Germany, Italy and Spain will utilize the new MapQuest brand and UI and will have data from OSM, allowing users to improve areas like streets in their neighborhoods, bike paths, parks and hiking trails. Each site will be a stand-alone offering that lives alongside the existing MapQuest sites – which are based on commercially available map data – in the four countries.
OSM was created to give local residents, the true experts of every community, the ability to improve areas of a map with information they know and care about, ultimately making a better mapping product for all users. MapQuest began working with the OSM community earlier this year when it launched the first beta site powered by open source data in the United Kingdom in July.
MapQuest selected France, Germany, Italy and Spain because of the rich data available and the vibrancy of the OSM communities in the four countries. The sites can be found at http://open.mapquest.fr, http://open.mapquest.de, http://open.mapquest.it and http://open.mapquest.es.
“We are excited to be launching four more sites today which marry the MapQuest brand with the OSM community,” said Antony Pegg, Product Manager, MapQuest. “We have been focused on bringing awareness to the power of OSM, while also encouraging the overall growth of the movement through the creation of services like the MapQuest Open Directions Service, and involvement in global community projects like Map Kibera.”
New Hire in U.S. to Manage $1 Million Open-Source Mapping Investment Fund
MapQuest also announced today the hire of Hurricane Coast to manage the $1 million open-source mapping investment fund that was announced in July. As Program Manager, Hurricane’s responsibilities will include the management of the mapping investment fund as a way to support local open-source mapping initiatives. In her role, Hurricane will also work to encourage U.S. communities to participate in a living map. Hurricane has been involved with OSM since 2008. She’s been a member of the State of the Map organizing committee for three years, has conducted presentations on OSM to several technical communities and at major conferences, and has led mapping events in nine states across the country.
“Community is such an important piece of the OSM movement, particularly as it continues to gather momentum in the U.S.,” said Hurricane Coast, Program Manager, MapQuest. “I am keen to take on this role and engage with people in new and exciting ways that will help translate the work happening with OSM on the ground in Europe to the U.S., while championing the needs of local communities to MapQuest.”
About MapQuest
MapQuest provides Internet, mobile and business solutions delivering on the promise of helping people research and discover: where is it, how I get there and what’s nearby. MapQuest is one of the leading mapping brands online, offering maps and directions, reaching more than 49.7 million users in August 2010, according to comScore Media Metrix. MapQuest’s mobile solutions are compatible with a variety of mobile devices, including iPhone and BlackBerry devices. MapQuest, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of AOL Inc, is based in Denver, Colorado.
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