Why mash means cash
| Why mash means cash | |
18 October 2006
Mashing is simply using Google Maps and combining it with extra information to give users an instant snapshot of goods, services and a whole host of other things in a particular given area. The mapvertising idea is already being extended by a few wags using their roof space to get a free advert on Google Earth. GMdir is an unofficial Google Maps directory that charts the best and the latest mash ups. One of the most obvious sectors that stand to benefit from mash ups is the tourism industry, which could use the technology to map out accommodation providers and attractions. Indeed, a new mash up just launched could be a template. Breakwatcher.com is a spin off from a US surfing service that lets users obtain surf reports for all their favourite beaches. With the Highlands and Islands staging more and more surfing events, a similar mash up highlighting good surfing spots and accommodation providers and surf shops could bring in a bit more business. Other good examples that could be adopted for use on a Highlands and Islands basis are: WhereTo.org - a web 2.0 user generated information site on places to visit B&Bs in Italy - Here is a B&B within walking distance of the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, for example. (You may need to click on the yellow box when the page loads) It could just as easily be B&Bs within walking distance of Inverness railway station or the ferry terminal at Oban. BarCrawl - A site for planning pub crawls in a number of UK cities. While we have suggested tourism here, there are many other opportunities to consider. For example, a mash up of an estate agent’s houses, music festivals, family butchers, you name it. A bit of imagination, along with some web know-how, is all it takes. And if done on a collective basis, costs would be minimal too. See GMdir’s hot listings and top rated listing for inspiration. Meanwhile, using the power of Google Earth’s satellite imaging, rooftops are now becoming potential advertising space. US retailer, Target seems to think so; they have invested in adverts on the roofs of some of their stores. | |