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Google Maps Floor Plans

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Re: Google Maps Floor Plans

#31
Most large retail outlets will probably opt out of this initiative. A big part of their revenue model hinges on the "impulse buying" which occurs as you wander throughout the store looking for your items. There is a reason why no major department or grocery chain (that I am aware of) has a store directory at the front like most malls do.

However, if crowdsourcing is allowed this could become major. I and 20 other people could all map out the Walmart (for example), upload the data, and then whatever matches in 80% of the submissions would become part of the "map".

If enough people did that it would almost force the major chains to participate, if for no other reason than to maintain control of their maps.

Re: Google Maps Floor Plans

#34
Does anyone have a link to a building with floor plans already uploaded? I'd be curious to see how they've designed the interface but can't easily find one... (i.e., in 2 minutes in downtown SF)

Re: Google Maps Floor Plans

#35
post #13

Why would this be Android only? Isn't there value at all in having this on a full computer?

Maybe, but they seem to be going for helping people find things in places like malls and such. So instead of using a directory (which can sometimes be few and far between), you find it on your phone. Also, you can probably sync with your location so you have a real-time "You are here!" icon.

[deleted]

Re: Google Maps Floor Plans

#36
They are directly targeting the market that Point Inside is in. I'm curious why they did not just purchase them rather than building something that will need to gain traction?

Re: Google Maps Floor Plans

#37

I wonder about copyright issues. Aren't the floorplans and directories in malls and such copyrighted? Who has the right to upload them to Google?

Theoretically, businesses have the right to upload their floor plans. And, it's perfectly fine to draw your own and upload those.

Re: Google Maps Floor Plans

#38
post #31

Most large retail outlets will probably opt out of this initiative. A big part of their revenue model hinges on the "impulse buying" which occurs as you wander throughout the store looking for your items. There is a reason why no major department or grocery chain (that I am aware of) has a store directory at the front like most malls do. However, if crowdsourcing is allowed this could become major. I and 20 other peo…

This is probably only partially true. If the goal was really to confuse you, they would not put related products near each other (the cheese would be with the bananas, the milk would be with the dishwasher detergent, etc.) They would also rearrange the store every week, so that you wouldn't be able to learn where items are.

Honestly, I've never seen stores arranged for impulse buying except to have certain items promoted above others. Eye-level shelves, displays at the front of aisles, etc. Otherwise, the fruits and vegetables are together, the canned items are together, the milk and cheese are together, etc. Pretty much every grocery store I've ever been in has been laid out in approximately the same way.

So I'm worried that you may be propagating an urban legend.

Re: Google Maps Floor Plans

#39

I wonder about copyright issues. Aren't the floorplans and directories in malls and such copyrighted? Who has the right to upload them to Google?

Santana Row, in SJ, CA has theirs mapped in Bing, already, so presumably, it's not problematic, if the mall agrees.

http://binged.it/Hm8eN5

Or Roosevelt Field Mall, in NY

http://binged.it/I5TEGS

Re: Google Maps Floor Plans

#40
post #34

Does anyone have a link to a building with floor plans already uploaded? I'd be curious to see how they've designed the interface but can't easily find one... (i.e., in 2 minutes in downtown SF)

O'Hare Airport had a map the last time I was there. I'm not sure we show indoor maps in the web interface, though; I can't find any, anyway.
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