The tech giants Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon have joined forces to create a new mapping platform that could challenge the dominance of Google and Apple Maps. The new platform, called Overture Maps, will be powered by data from TomTom, a leading provider of location data.
Overture Maps is expected to offer a number of features that are not currently available on Google or Apple Maps, such as the ability to generate custom maps and the ability to integrate with other data sources. The platform is also expected to be more privacy-focused than its competitors.
Here are some key takeaways from the collaboration:
- Data sharing: The collaboration is based on the premise that map data needs to be a shared asset to support future applications.
- Open-source: Overture Maps is an open-source project, which means that the code is available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute.
- Partners: The project is a joint effort between Meta, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, and TomTom.
- Data collection: Meta and Microsoft collected and donated the data to Overture, according to Marc Prioleau, executive director of the Open Mapping Foundation.
- Rivaling Google and Apple: The project aims to enable companies to build maps that rival Google and Apple by providing access to high-quality map data.
The launch of Overture Maps is a significant development in the online mapping market. Google and Apple Maps have long dominated the market, but they have faced increasing criticism in recent years for their privacy practices and their control over the market. Overture Maps could provide a much-needed alternative to these platforms, and it could shake up the online mapping market.
