The Pinpoint Map System
Submitted by: Duncan McGowan
Website: http://www.pinpoint-mapping.com
Describe your idea. How does it work and who does it help?
The Pinpoint Map System is a web mapping system that offers Google Maps-style behaviour and performance, but unlike Google Maps it supports any Ordnance Survey or other map data. It also supports LiDAR, IFR, bathymetric and geological data, site plans or anything else that is arranged in a geospatial layout.
The system is the fastest system available, having been designed using a unique pixel-based map engine based on image processing techniques. It runs on very low cost hardware, such as sub-£1000 Intel servers.
At the front end is a sophisticated AJAX API which enables a developer to strongly customise the user experience while delivering web2.0 interaction to the user.
The idea behind the system is to free public sector from the limitations of Google Maps (as well as the threat of advertising or service withdrawal) while providing scope for deploying any map data product. It was also intended to decimate licensing and development costs for the public sector, by offering turnkey deployment, cheap hosting and minimal maintenance fees, so instead of a public sector team spending £100K on a webGIS service the cost plummets to a tiny percentage of that. I estimate that public sector can save £millions by using my system.
The Pinpoint system helps public sector by: (a) offering a "drop-in" web mapping component to existing websites; (b) slashing costs dramatically; and (c) providing features that are only available with hugely complex "solutions" such as ArcIMS.
It also helps the public, as the system can be used by any government agency (such as the OS, BGS, UKHO, etc) to offer attractive online services for their data, instead of expecting visitors to be happy with either a child-like Java applet or downloading of raw data for use in an expensive desktop GIS product.
The system is being used by Directgov, Camden, Islington and Hackney Councils.
What information or services do you need?
1. Bathymetry data from the British Geological Survey.
2. A 1Km square section of urban MasterMap data from the Ordnance Survey.
3. Assistance/resources for marketing directly to the public sector.
Posted by Aguy on 12 January 2009 at 07:51 PM
Is pinpoint just for public service or could it have a consumer offering? What are the limitations at the moment?
Posted by Duncan McGowan on 11 September 2008 at 07:09 PM
...instead of lining Google's pockets?
There is no innovation without incentive, and whatever you may think Google makes big money with their free services.
My point is that my system will greatly reduce government expenditure on geoweb applications, and that is beneficial to all of us surely?
Posted by Christopher Osborne on 21 August 2008 at 12:06 PM
This is a competition to mashup public data, not sell a commercial product.
"The Pinpoint system helps public sector by: (a) offering a "drop-in" web mapping component to existing websites; (b) slashing costs dramatically; and (c) providing features that are only available with hugely complex "solutions" such as ArcIMS."
While lining your pockets?