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Want to know the most sheltered path to Point B? New OneMap app has the answer

SINGAPORE — Public map platform OneMap has undergone a facelift and is now available as a mobile app that is able to provide users with the shortest and most sheltered walking routes, said the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) team behind the revamp on Thursday (July 20).

The Singapore Land Authority launched the OneMap application, offering location-based information and services for use by everyone, on July 20, 2017. A user is seen here changing the map style to his preference. Photo: Esther Leong/ TODAY

The Singapore Land Authority launched the OneMap application, offering location-based information and services for use by everyone, on July 20, 2017. A user is seen here changing the map style to his preference. Photo: Esther Leong/ TODAY

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SINGAPORE — Public map platform OneMap has undergone a facelift and is now available as a mobile app that is able to provide users with the shortest and most sheltered walking routes, said the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) team behind the revamp on Thursday (July 20).

The app, which comes seven years after OneMap was first launched online, will be able to point users to kindergartens, hawker centres or clinics on the Community Health Assist Scheme that are within a 2km radius.

Drivers will be able to access step-by-step directions and view “live” traffic conditions. Public transport commuters will be able to view bus arrival timings and bus service routes by tapping any bus-stop icon through the BusRouteExplorer feature.

Asked how OneMap differs from other map providers such as Google, whose maps already provide driving and walking routes, Mr Ng Siau Yong, director of SLA’s geospatial and data division, said the authority focused on “what locals really need”.

“For example, we know where the void decks we can punch through are, so this is a key feature,” he said. OneMap also captures features – such as underpasses under expressways – that may not be captured in the maps of global map providers.

The number of page views and services used of OneMap is about 10 million each month.

The SLA launched a three-month campaign on Thursday called OneMap IdeaWorks!, for community organisations to share problems they face, that could be solved with the help of technology experts using OneMap.

Sixty problems, or challenges, have been dished out by 19 entities including Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital and SG Enable, an agency helping people with disabilities. SG Enable, for instance, would like an app that will allow caregivers to track the location of their loved ones and contact them in cases of emergency. The app should also allow users to set geo-fences (virtual geographic boundaries).

Several technology and content partners, such as StarHub and geospatial company Esri Singapore, have pledged their support.

Community organisations, technologists and data scientists may post their challenges or register interest to participate by Aug 2. The campaign will end on Oct 12 with a showcase of solutions.

More information is available at http://ideaworks.onemap.sg.

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