There already are a few online mapping webapps centered on Indian cities (mapmyindia, yahoomaps, googlemaps) and all of those are essentially alike. In their midst, springs Sadakmap with a twist in its tale. For this extends the concept of user generate content to online maps. Sadakmap allows users to populate maps with places (businesses or public places) that can be viewed by others. It also allows users to get their SpotMeUrl, which is like an online business card that displays the users location and other profile information. The application uses Google maps and the location info is superimposed on that. The places marked on the map are listed on the right column and users can navigate using that list. They can also post short reviews about the place and it is readable on the map itself (through some cool Ajax work). Sadapmap’s founder is Unmesh Mayekar, who moved to Indian after spending 15 years in the Bay Area (where he was a co-founder at LaborFair). He informs me that they have filed for a provisional patent for this technology with the USPTO.
Sadakmap’s monetization strategy is based on diff use-cases. Businesses will be charged for inserting classified banners on the map and its cost will be a function of the location, category and duration of the display (works similar to roadside hoardings). Nationalized chains (like banks) can use this technology to embed customized maps on their websites that are populated with their branch, retail etc locations. The mapping concept can be extended to various types of classifieds e.g. real estate, where people can use maps to search for listed properties.
Sadakmap’s UGC dimension is based on the rationale that traditional online maps e.g. MapMyIndia would never think of putting a small, local businesses (say, a bhelpuri-walla) on the map. So they want to allow users to populate the map – the hope being that the target user segment will only enter places that they frequent and those places in turn are more likely to appeal to other users like them. They also plan to have “community policing” function that would allow users to flag irrelevant/inappropriate content.
The idea behind Sadakmap seems very promising (and novel) to me, but I am not sure how this webapp can achieve critical mass on a standalone basis. For businesses will advertise on it, only if it gets a threshold user base. If Sadakmap was anchored on a popular portal that was getting lots of eyeballs, this could be much easier. Maybe third-party licensing is worth considering for this technology. Something else worth mentioning is that the name Sadakmap does not do justice to the webapp’s core positioning at all. If fact I find it quite misleading, for it pitches the webapp back amongst the group that it seeks to stand out from.
Other mapping applications previously covered on this blog-
– RouteGuru..competing with the paanwalas for road directions
– Yahoo launches YahooMaps for India..looks good, works well
– MapmyIndia rocks Indian Web2.0 with GoogleMap type digitised mapping
– MapmyIndia adds killer feature…embedding map snippets into blogs, websites
– OnYoMo….making life better in Delhi & Bangalore
– Mapunity…a social development focused GIS solution
Looks slick, but i guess the concept is similar to Google earth which allows the same features.
Monetization might be a hard road as use of maps in India is nowhere near critical mass.
A good product froma technical perspective.
Cheers
Tarun
I would not consider Google earth as a online mapping app; its a different category altogether ..
Am glad you liked it Tarun (slick/technically good are descriptives we love). I agree with Amit, Google Earth being a heavy duty desktop tool requires a lot of work for a user to get to the point of adding places, etc.
We believe SadakMap simplifies this task and besides allows users to review the places, post messages (mini-blogs) as well. Lookout for a “blog-post-like” url feature for all posts on the map (whether it be a place or a message).
Above all, we want our user community to “activate” their neighborhood. Use SadakMap to show the world what a great locality you live/work in. Make it vibrant by adding cool places around you, review them, create mini-blogs (messages) that make your neighborhood stand out from others. Have fun.
Our belief is that true monetization lies in value-creation. We have just begun creating value and are thriving on the itsy bitsy buzz we are creating. Help mold us by sending us your suggestions.
Regards,
Unmesh, Founder – SadakMap.com
SpotMeUrl: http://www.sadakmap.com/spotme/unmesh
Ashish ,
any bias towards which startups you cover? only your friend’s? only those who pay you?
For the sake of transparency: we did not know Amit and submitted our profile using the procedure laid down at this site (look under “Want to be profiled”). After patiently waiting, for what would seem for to-be entrepreneurs to be a long time, we were grilled thoroughly by Amit regarding our biz model, state of affairs, and direction.
Keep the faith.
Unmesh, Found – SadakMap.com
SpotMeUrl: http://www.sadakmap.com/spotme/unmesh
@ Karan
i don’t understand the mentality of folks like you . you guys hide behind the anonymity of fake user names and blame AMit for biaseed coverage .
i like the idea of SADAKMAP and i am glad that he profiled them now shut up and do something creative rather than passing judgment on those who dare to do .
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I read somewhere that now Google maps contains YouTube videos
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