MalaysiaGIS.com

Source: In-Tech, The Star

The specialized browser allows users to search vector maps of the Klang Valley and central Bangkok, for roads, buildings, rivers, schools, hospitals and other such features.

"We found web browser-based maps - typically comprising GIF files, Java applets and image maps (i.e. active objects) and occupying 500K of space - took too long to download," said Leng Chee Kong, Map-Portal partner and consultant.

"Moreover, once downloaded, the maps could not be manipulated (searched, zoomed in and out), thus required another map to be downloaded, which took even more time," he told In.Tech recently.

So, Map-Portal decided to develop the Windows-based Map-Viewer, its own client browser which supports mainly vector maps, but can do raster maps as well.

Map-Portal claims that segments of its vector maps occupy a mere 36K and can be downloaded up to 15 times faster than competing browser-based map systems.

Once downloaded, Map-Viewer lets users search the map for objects like roads, rivers, buildings, hotels, shopping complexes, restaurants, cafes, hospitals, schools and police stations; if they're not on the current segment of the map, Map-Viewer will download the relevant segment and highlight the required object in red.

For instance, users can get Map-Viewer to indicate a class of objects- such as all hotels - on the current map segment, and the names of active objects such as roads, rivers, buildings and so on will appear when the users move the mouse cursor over them.

Pull-down menus provide a list of all objects on the current vector map segment; when users select a particular object, Map-Viewer will zero in on it, highlighting it in red.

Map-Portal said it plans to eventually extend the scope of its maps nationwide.

The current Map-Viewer 1.38 beta version lets users locate companies in buildings by their company name, telephone, fax, company registration number, e-mail address and website.

In the production version, which Map-Portal expects to launch early next year, users will also be able to conduct searches on events, people, places, products and services.

The company said it plans to come out with a Windows CE version of Map-Viewer next year.

By 2003, it hopes to come out with its own MAP Access Protocol (MAP) which will enable access to its map data by third-party applications, as well as by mobile maps, handheld devices, voice telephony and multimedia messaging systems.

Leng said he expects to develop about 100 different applications in the next three to five years.

Map-Portal was founded two years ago by Leng and his partners Jimmy Mok and Soo Chee Kwong. The trio brought together their own funds and experiences in academia, marketing, software engineering and business.

"We plan to form joint ventures with companies in specific industries such as real estate, trade directory publishers and so on, to develop industry-specific applications which will run on our 'Map server'.

This would allow the company to "focus on our core competency of research and development (R&D) to keep us constantly ahead of our competitors," said Leng.

Map-Portal will earn revenue by charging its joint venture partners and its customers hosting and access fees, as well as fees from advertisements placed on its map portal.

Based in the IOI Business Park in Puchong Jaya, Map-Portal currently comprises a total of 12 people including its partners and employees.

It has applied for Multimedia Super Corridor status and hopes to obtain an National Information Technology Council grant under its Demonstrator Application Grants Scheme (DAGS).

Map-Portal can be reached at (03) 8076 7808, via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or go to www.map-portal.net.