China: China’s State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping (SBSM) brought China’s official online mapping service – Map World, out of beta. The trial version was operating since late October 2010. Meanwhile, more than 100 domestic and overseas companies that provide online mapping services have received licenses to continue doing business in China, while another 100 were still applying for a license, according to Song Chaozhi, Deputy Director, SBSM.
Chaozhi said many foreign companies offering online mapping services, such as Nokia Alliance Internet Services Company Limited, have received a license.
Map World has updated the Chinese part of its mapping information according to the latest satellite pictures taken in late 2010, adding more than 2 million items of geospatial data covering roads at least 30,000 kilometres long, according to the latest statistics from the bureau.
It has also added English translations to the test version due to request from users.
Since the trial of Map World began in late October, more than 30 million users from at least 210 countries have visited the site, www.tianditu.cn, Min Yiren, deputy director of the bureau, said.
Map World has 11 million place names in it. Among them are some 120,000 points of interests such as hotels, restaurants, retail businesses, government institutions, banks and roads.
Min said there is no charge for using Map World’s basic services, but services designed for corporate users will come with fees.
Source: People’s Daily
