I was wondering about some new evolutions and techniques to come with hi-tech gadgets. This time the conversations with Larz.D were about Google, 3D Mapping and GPS ads. Step into our invisible office, and check out the things we came up with.
Starting point : Google has mapped Belgium.
I was thinking, maybe if Google went global with the 3D-mapping, we could have GPS systems that are generated from the images Google has registered. For that matter, it might be a next step from Google to have ads on the GPS image maps, thus indicating commercial facilities or utility links such as post offices or police stations.
Check out this Realtime 3D GPS from Sony I wrote about a while ago.
As Nathan said on InsideGoogle a little while back :
“Google plans to use trucks quipped with lasers and digital photgraphy equipment to create three dimensional maps of the Earth’s surface, starting with San Francisco.”
So if the image maps are there, it would be peanuts to use them for GPS.
It would even be better if you could interact with the GPS, and make a target search through the satellite connection for example to download a map that displays (sponsoring) restaurants in your immediate surrounding. Perhaps internet could be deliverd globally this way, so people could surf in their cars. Technically it’s already possible.
Larz.D noted Google could license the maps to companies, and then for example when you pass a borderline, you’d get a free (sponsored GPS CD in the gas station) that has advertisements of local traders or industrial businesses. He remembers a German company who handed out free roadmaps in the gas stations along the German highways. All the places that distributed the product where marked on the map, so drivers would know where they could get their stuff. Basically it’s the same idea, but then applied to the GPS technology.
Next logical step, according myself, would then be voice advertisement based on geolocation. I can only hope they’re not planning to broadcast geolocation based commercials while the car is in motion. That would endanger the driver too much. However, when the car is not moving, the satellite connection theoretically could permit the broadcasting.
That would go like this : *sweet female voice* for a quick stop, turn left for BurgerKing in 200 meters ( or some distance in foot or miles ).
I can’t wait to see/hear it happen.