Waze mapping service goes global
Waze, the user-generated road mapping service goes global today.
The Waze application runs on users’ smartphones, automatically and anonymously sending back GPS points as they drive. This data is then used to build and continuously update the Waze system map, giving users up to date information on traffic, road closures and more.
The program has already proved popular elsewhere around the globe. Drivers have organically formed their own groups and have started using Waze to build local maps in over 20 countries around the world, including Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, Thailand, Kazakhstan, and Trinidad and Tobago.
“Even without specific country support, we were amazed to see Wazers on our live map in clusters all over the world self organizing,” said Noam Bardin, CEO of Waze. “We are committed to fostering this community of users and supporting them with the new infrastructure launched today. I would like to thank these motivated Wazers from all over the world for helping us bring better maps, free navigation and an improved daily commute to their regions.”
As it is essentially a community driven service, the brand new global app still has some way to go before it is truly useful to UK road users, as so few have yet had a chance to try out the software and build the UK road grid. Still, it’s a nice idea and watching the live map grow on the Waze website is quite a sight.
Definitely one to keep an eye on in the future.
For more information, visit www.waze.com.
