The State of the Map US conference runs June 6-8 at the United Nations Headquarters in NYC. It’s not too late to sign up to attend! The deadline is June 1. Over the next two weeks we will be highlighting the talks by your friends at Mapzen. Duane Gearhart will be discussing Quality Route Guidance on Saturday June 6 at 3:00PM.

Summer’s Great Blockbuster has arrived!!

Marvel Avengers?

Mapzen at State of the Map US?

But wait…which one is it?

BOTH

But what do Marvel and Mapzen have in common? Legends like Thor, Odin, Tyr, Loki! Both of these parties have tweaked these Norse Mythology Gods.

Let’s examine Odin. Marvel has deliberately softened Odin around the edges. This God of War and Father to Thor and Loki seems to fade into the shadows.

Mapzen has re-invented ODIN - aka Open Directions Improved Narrative. At Mapzen, ODIN is still a wandering God on a quest through the lands, relentlessly seeking and giving wisdom. This one-eyed God is laser focused on improving the quality of directions and guidance.

ODIN will transform path information into real guidance and narrative directions to assist users during their trip. The improved narrative is succinct, easy, and useful. ODIN collapses maneuvers using common base street names and simplifies transitions at complex intersections. Exit and directional information on highways removes ambiguity at key decision points.

So, which blockbuster will you be seeing this summer? If you want to see heroes and Gods save the world (unrealistic) then go to the theater to see the Marvel version. If you want to see Odin save the quality of your trip planning (realistic), then plan on seeing Mapzen at State of the Map US!

After 15 years as a Mapping Warrior, Duane Gearhart has been proven to be ever-vigilant, sharp, and analytical on the battlefield, and he has earned his ranks among the Nordic Gods who hail him as the Quality Expert.