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June 30, 2008
EveryScape Goes Where Google Maps Does Not
Going where no man - or search engine - has gone before, Everyscape has launched an online mapping feature that allows people to go inside shops and restaurants.
Users can navigate through neighborhoods and tourist sites. A special icon next to a building invites users to enter and have a look around.
"While Google has focused their technology on building a better map, we wanted to do more and replicate the experience of actually being somewhere," Everyscape chief executive Jim Schoonmaker told ABC News.
Everyscape employs independent contractors to operate specialized equipment. "Destination ambassadors" are assigned regions and are paid per mile to map. By getting locals involved, Schoonmaker hopes to "enable the world to build the world."
On top of earning $10 for every street mile, destination ambassadors receive a commission whenever they convince a business to have its interiors photographed.
Joe Ryan, owner of the Press Box Sports Bar in Manhattan, was quickly sold on the idea when he was approached with an offer to lease his locale on the interactive map.
"It's absolutely worth the price of the lease," Ryan said. "We have a very nice private party room upstairs and whenever people call to see if they can have a party there, it was very hard for me to describe it. Now I just tell them to go to the site, and they can take a look around. It's a big help."
Everyscape has secured $7 million in investment from venture capital firms. Some experts say to cut into Google's market, the company would need to extend its mapping capabilities abroad to popular destinations like Sydney and London, where the legality of such technology has been challenged.
Posted by Kevin Heisler at June 30, 2008 10:14 AM
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Comments
If the business owners are buying the service I think they have a model that will not have a problem in any country.
Posted by: Aussiewebmaster at June 30, 2008 12:25 PM
I think this company has a bit to go before it can compete with Google, but it is a start!
Posted by: Douglas at July 3, 2008 4:14 PM
I do not think they will cut to far into Google's market, but time will tell.
Posted by: Website Design at November 12, 2008 5:12 PM
I tend to agree with Aussiewebmaster and not just because I'm an Aussie :-) I don't think they will be able to compete with Google in regards to streetscape but google is not (at this stage) going after local business owners, restaurants etc. So I think this will be their strength.
Posted by: Krakow at November 14, 2008 5:40 PM
