MapsPeople Blog

How We Simplified Map Updates for Fortune 500 Companies — and Now for the Mid-market Too

Written by Malou Damgaard | Jul 2, 2024 7:10:46 AM

Enterprise customers demand map update automation, and we know that because we work with some of the biggest Fortune 500 companies in the world. The problem with map automation is that it has historically been expensive. 

We’re changing that.

We’ve spent the last two years developing map automation solutions for some of the largest enterprises in the world. Along the way, we’ve picked up a ton of insights and experience. Now, we’re channeling all of that into our new Map Update Automation tool, which makes updating maps as easy as a single step.

In this article, we’ll walk you through what we’ve learned from working with some of the world’s top Fortune 500 companies and give you the lowdown on how our Map Update Automation works.

Why Manual Updating Doesn’t Work

Indoor maps are super important for all kinds of applications, like desk booking systems and wayfinding tools. But here’s the thing – buildings change all the time. New desks, new meeting rooms, updated signage – all of these need to be reflected in the maps people use. Quick and accurate updates are crucial because delays or inaccuracies can really mess things up and drive users away.

Updating maps the old-fashioned way is a real hassle. It takes forever and involves a lot of back-and-forth with different teams to get everything just right. Miscommunications happen all the time, leading to mistakes and more delays. And if you’re managing multiple buildings and floors, it can be a full-time job for a whole team of people

Introducing Map Update Automation

Enter Map Update Automation. We’ve developed this tool using data and experience from mapping over 25,000 buildings — and then trained our own machine-learning model for Smart Buildings. It can automatically detect and update objects like desks, chairs, and other fixtures from CAD drawings. Plus, it can spot structural changes like new walls or reconfigured rooms and metadata and update the maps accordingly. This means less time, less cost, and way more accuracy.

How It Works

The process is super simple. Users just upload their updated floor plans via an API. MapsIndoors AI then does its magic – it detects changes, whether it’s new elements, removed items, or reconfigured layouts. The system updates the map, including wayfinding routes, making sure everything’s spot on. This takes out the manual labor and reduces the risk of mistakes.

Map Update Automation is a big leap forward in the world of indoor mapping. With AI and practical applications, we’re making it easier and more cost-effective for businesses to keep their maps accurate and up-to-date. This not only improves user experience but also ensures that businesses can rely on their indoor mapping tools without the constant hassle of manual updates. 

Map Update Automation is open for early access and is not generally available yet. If you want to know more about it and early access, watch the 16-minute video below.