The Thematic Mapper app just released on MapDeck.com unlocks in-map analytic capabilities for organisations of any size or budget. Traditionally, access to spatial information, and the tools required for analysing and visualising that information, was restricted to only companies with substantial budgets. Organisation had two options: either deploy a suitable infrastructure in-house and employ expert analysts, or alternatively, source specialist advice from external consultants. However, both these options have one thing in common - cost.
Thematic Mapper is an example of the new generation of online mapping tools which allow full personalisation of information content on maps. That is, unlike traditional online maps which require an administrator to configure for end users what data to display and how, Thematic Mapper gives each user full control over the entire map creation and map publishing/sharing process. It is a whole new approach to creating online maps and interacting with spatial data in real time. Continue reading…
It is often suggested that as much as 80% of time and effort in any research and information analysis task is expended on sourcing and preparing relevant data for use. It goes without saying that having correct and clean data readily available for visualisation and analysis is a crucial part on any efficient decision-making process.
In the July 2016 edition of the #All-Things-Spatial newsletter, we explore the ways in which MapDeck can help you gain fast access to valuable location specific information and its easy visualisation. Huge volumes of spatial data, coupled with a myriad of useful information that can be linked to that data, underpins the MapDeck platform. All data catalogued on MapDeck is curated and ready for use, which means you can go straight to analysing available information and reach your conclusions faster.
You can read more about this and other useful spatial intelligence tips and tricks in the July 2016 newsletter here.
Postcodes are by far the most popular location reference for business purposes and they are widely used for publishing social statistics. However, the definition of postcode boundaries tends to be ambiguous due to the various methodologies applied during the creation of boundaries, and because there are many different versions of postcode data in circulation at any particular point in time.
In the June 2016 edition of the #All-Things-Spatial newsletter, we explore the ways in which MapDeck has addressed some of the ambiguity surrounding postcodes, as well as the cost associated with obtaining the latest data from commercial vendors, through its own product called Postcode Boundaries Australia 2016.
You can read more about this tool and other useful spatial intelligence tips and tricks in the June 2016 newsletter here.
Our latest communication initiative is a monthly e-newsletter. This is the most practical means of keeping you regularly informed about the latest developments at MapDeck. Also, it is a great platform for sharing our experiences in applying location intelligence concepts, tools and technologies to aid in decision making, helping you to take full advantage of readily available solutions and reach your business goals faster!
This e-newsletter complements our other social media channels which includes the All Things Spatial blog, our twitter account @AllThingSpatial and the MapDeck page on LinkedIn.
Read the April 2016 edition online or sign up to receive future editions directly to your inbox. All MapDeck users are automatically included on our mailing list but you can opt out from receiving emails from us by using the “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of the newsletter.
MapDeck has just been moved to a new hosting service provider and the location of our servers has been optimised for proximity to key markets. The switch was managed to minimize the impact on users across different time zones.
We have significantly increased data storage capacity and now have on demand access to huge reserves to rapidly increase the scale of operations. Computational capacity has also been significantly boosted with higher spec servers. The result is a noticeable improvement in the overall performance of MapDeck applications and ultimately, greater reliability of MapDeck to handle rapidly growing volumes of users and transactions.
MapDeck has been fully operational since late December 2015. January 2016 was very busy as we transitioned our current clients from legacy apps to the new platform. We are now inviting members of the public to take advantage of MapDeck capabilities.
Contact aus-emaps.com, our distribution partner, for a unique access code, local support and to find out how you and your organisation can benefit. Please submit your request via the contact form on the About page or email aus-emaps.com on info@aus-emaps.com.
We have almost all planned modules in place and ready for final testing before a soft launch of MapDeck in December. The last remaining thing to do is to integrate a new payment service. Unfortunately, with cross border operations, subscription based business model and relatively high ticket prices (comparing to eg. consumer disposables) it is not easy to find the right solution. But we are pressing on with the launch regardless…
While working on online help and workflow descriptions module for MapDeck we took the opportunity to expand the functionality of Map Layers Manager app and to include support not only for O SM map tiles but also for other alternative services, like TMS, WMTS, WMS and several ESRI service formats.
We have also released a simple Thematic Mapper Basic app allowing mashing various map layers on a single map. And we have brought forward the release of Map Image Capture Tool for generating large format maps for printing or capturing off the screen as images for further processing.
It means MapDeck can now support the full workflow, like searching for available layers in MapDeck catalogue (via Finder app), adding new custom map layers from external services (via Map Layers Manager app), mashing map layers into custom maps (via Thematic Mapper app) and generating large format maps for printing/capture (via Map Image Capture Tool).
In the coming weeks the focus will shift to adding more content to MapDeck catalogue.
Feedback from early MapDeck users highlighted the need for rolling out online Help much earlier than we anticipated. And in addition to personalised support option already implemented. So, we decided to add online help and workflow descriptions module as a priority. It will delay the public launch date but it is indispensable for introducing MapDeck to a mass market.
MapDeck is built on a simple concept and once you experienced how it all works, everything is intuitive and easy to navigate through. However, the breadth of MapDeck platform functionality may appear a bit daunting for the first time users so, we have to address the issue from day one by providing guidance to the users on how to accomplish certain tasks.
We are very close to the formal launch of our Mapdeck platform. However, before we throw the gates open to the public, we would like to test the platform thoroughly with a selected few applicants. If you would like to participate and offer your feedback, please email admin@mapdeck.com with your details to receive a special sign-up code.