GeoSmart Maps launches location-based app competition

GeoSmart Maps, a wholly owned subsidiary of AA New Zealand, has launched a competition to develop location-based applications in four categories including social networking, proximity-based marketing, games and widgets for the AA Maps website.

The competition will run from October 16th to February 16th. There are prizes for each category and the overall winner will also win a trip to San Jose in the USA to attend the Where 2.0 Conference in May 2009.

Luigi Cappel of GeoSmart says the competition isn’t pitched just at developers. A proof of concept demonstration and accompanying document would have just as much chance of winning.

The Awards will be presented at the annual Wireless and Broadband Forum Convergence 2009 event at the Alinghi Base in Auckland’s Viaduct Basin.

Judging criteria are documented in the entry packs and on the official website at locationinnovation.co.nz. The judging panel includes representatives from GeoSmart, Massey University, Geekzone and the Wireless and Broadband Forum.

Luigi Cappel says that in the near future, location based applications will be commonplace, with electronic coupons being sent to your mobile because you are near a service you have opted-in for such as a Happy Hour deal for the bar you are walking past, or a promotion from your favourite fashion retailer (with whom you have signed up and given your colour, style and size preferences) which knows that you are in the mall.

Cappel also offers the scenario of a tourist hopping off the plane at Queenstown Airport and as he heads to the luggage conveyor area he sees a billboard with a promotion offering amazing deals on various local attractions. If he texts ‘Queenstown Live’ to a short code, he will have $20 deducted from his account and will be offered a range of services at huge discounts. When he gets to the main town pier in Queenstown he gets a text message saying that if he gets down to the ticket office within the next 10 minutes he can enjoy the 4pm jet boat experience for only $25, a saving of $70. Without the promotion, the jet boat might go out half empty. This way the jet boat operator sells more seats and makes a profit on the trip and the tourist gets a great deal.

Or, on a less commercial note, you are a member of a jogging club on Facebook. You're in Napier on business and decide to stay over for the weekend. You're interested in finding a jogging buddy to go for a run with. Through an application on your phone or a map application on Facebook, you are able to locate someone to go for a run with who is also in Napier.