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01.05.06
Only You Can Help Digital Maps
 By
David A. Utter
With an array of mapping technologies, satellite images, and aerial photos, map and local sites under the purview of Google, Yahoo, Microsoft, and AOL still need the kind of information only local users can provide.
Search engines have long made their living off other people's content, exchanging access to an algorithm that finds their sites when relevant to a search for the indexing that takes place. Now that the battle for lucrative local advertising dollars has moved online, the big four need to outdo each other with content.
And as before, that content will come from users, an AP report noted.
AOL operates Mapquest, which has been the most heavily used mapping site online. Maps figure prominently in the plans for the other three companies. Google merged its Maps and Local services earlier in 2005, and Microsoft debuted its Windows Live Local as the new front end to MSN Virtual Earth.
There are some types of content that high technology can't collect. AP noted how Microsoft will trial a program that canvasses mountain bikers for good trail routes. Yahoo has long solicited user ratings and reviews on the various businesses available in its Local listings.
As they work at improving the driving directions and local listings, AP said the big four have to embrace a new challenge: walking and biking directions. Ask Jeeves has had foot directions as an option for its UK-based Local site, so it should be something the others could implement as well.
One Man's Victory Over Spam
A UK businessman found unwanted messages in his inbox, so he turned to a European Union law that permits claiming damages from the spammers in court.
Media Logistics UK will fork over £300 (about $520) to Nigel Roberts to settle a spamming claim, the BBC said. Roberts took action after finding unwanted messages for fax broadcasting and car rentals in his inbox.
A three-year-old anti-spam law passed by the EU made this small victory over spammers possible. Roberts said in the report he kept the claim at £300 to qualify it as a small claim. Media Logistics UK will pay £30 for court costs plus £270 in damages as part of an out-of-court settlement.
This may be the first time anyone in the UK has used this law to file and collect damages under the legislation. The BBC quoted a spokesman from the Information Commissioner's Office, which oversees the law Roberts used, as saying he hadn't heard of anyone else filing a case like this.
Legislation in the United States, known as the CAN-SPAM act, merely requires spammers to provide an address and an opt-out link in their messages. AOL has had some success against US-based spammers in suing them and being able to seize assets to settle claims of damages.
About the Author:
David Utter is a staff writer for WebProNews covering technology and business.
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