Press Releases
GPS Ads is launched!
GPS devices are the new revolution in navigation, not only in South Africa but also globally.
GPS ownership in South Africa is growing exponentially; from 100 000 devices at the beginning of 2007 to an estimated 300 000 by the end of the year, a trend recently accelerated by the introduction of GPS facilitated SmartPhones to the cell phone contract market.
GPS Ads offers market players the opportunity to position their brands GPS mapping software. GPS Ads are contracted by eWheels who are the official data partners to MapIT. MapIT is the largest supplier of electronic maps in Southern Africa and has exclusive electronic rights to the MapStudio map database, which has been built over the last 50 years. MapIT is the preferred supplier to all mobile GPS manufacturers in SA including TomTom, JNC, etc. MapIT information is also used by selected cell phone brands.
GPS Ads offers market players the opportunity to position their brands as a “Point of Interest” (POI) within customised GPS mapping software. This listing is done on the MapIT mapping software that is loaded onto mobile navigation devices (mobile GPS devices and selected cell phone brands).
A POI or “Point of Interest” is a specific coordinate or address on a digital map. On the road, the owner of a GPS, or compatible PDA or SmartPhone can locate the telephone number, website address and logo of any registered outlet closest to your present location. This includes the likes of:
• ATMs
• B&Bs
• Beauty and Hair Salons
• Clubs and event venues
• Emergency services – including hospitals and clinics
• Filling stations
• Gyms/Sports clubs
• Hotels
• Independent schools
• Nursery schools and daycares
• Pharmacies
• Restaurants – Franchised and independent
• Supermarkets and other related retail and wholesale outlets
• Veterinarians
The device will auto-navigate the user along the shortest or fastest route to the front door of the selected POI.
The value of POIs to any organisation include:
• GPS device users are able to find any organisation instantly
• The sales and advertising opportunities offered by this service. Organisations are able to constantly have their brand visible to potential clients as they move in the vicinity of the organisation or use the GPS facility on their cell phones. The organisation will thus effectively be selling their brand constantly for a very affordable price of only R900 (excl VAT) per outlet per year.
Electronic map navigation is fast becoming a popular means for consumers to find the nearest relevant service provider as is evident by the explosive growth recorded in the US and Europe. This is
particularly relevant for visitors to South Africa as it represents a significant opportunity for brand owners to market their products or services.
