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Nokia navigates new map strategy with launch of 'Here'

SAN FRANCISCO -- Nokia has put its mapping unit front and center with the introduction of its Here cloud-based location brand and platform, which was unveiled during a media event here this morning.

"Maps and location experiences should inspire us to sense our world," said Nokia president and CEO Stephen Elop, adding that the Helsinki-based corporation is now working on "creating more personal maps that change how we navigate our lives."Elop said that the "quality and quantity" of data available will enable Nokia to "transform mapping in ways we haven't even … Read more

3D geomapping company Earthmine lets you 'tag' buildings

Earthmine, a serious geomapping company I first covered back in 2007, is launching a completely ridiculous demo site Wednesday called Wild Style City, which allows users to paint graffiti on buildings it has mapped in San Francisco. The launch is happening at the Where 2.0 conference in San Jose, Calif.

The Flash app lets you navigate a street-view level of San Francisco, and tag (in the graffiti sense) certain buildings, in certain places, with paintbrush, marker, and roller tools. Then people who come after you also see your tags.

It's silly, but illustrates the technology Earthmine offers does … Read more

Sneak peek: Earthmine's street view

Google Street View is about the coolest online mapping service released in a while, but its imagery is of inconsistent quality. Street View images are full of lens flare, distortion, and poor stitching artifacts. They're good enough for entertainment or for getting a general idea of a local scene, but not for much else.

A new company, Earthmine, plans to launch soon an urban imagery system that features much more precise data and visuals. Using laser range-finding and still photography (instead of the video that Google's current system employs), the Earthmine system will offer not only sharp and … Read more