PDF Maps app

Users of the OziExplorer application who wish to make use of their maps within Avenza PDF Maps app on their iOS devices can download a conversion utility available from http://www.oziexplorer.com.

The image conversion utility ImageConvertOzi.exe allows for the conversion of various map image formats to GeoTIFF which are supported by the Avenza PDF Maps app.

Originally published in Directions Magazine. http://www.directionsmag.com/articles/the-itunes-of-maps-a-new-business-model-for-map-publishers/280993

By Joe Francica

Summary:
In September 2010, Avenza Systems, Inc. released the first version of PDF Maps for the Apple App Store where both free and for-pay versions of maps in the Geospatial PDF format could be downloaded for use with the iOS operating system. Currently, over 100,000 maps are now available for download. Are users likely to download maps normally found in a print version to their iPhone or iPad? Editor in Chief Joe Francica sat down with Avenza president, Ted Florence for more details on the “the iTunes of maps” business model – selling maps the way iTunes sells music.

Delivering mobile maps just became even easier for our Avenza PDF Maps vendors! This is a brief overview of how a vendor can easily create QR codes (Quick Response Codes) to help them promote, sell, and deliver maps electronically.

QR Code usage is gaining popularity. A QR code is a two-dimensional barcode that can be easily scanned using any modern mobile device. When scanned, the mobile device automatically launches a web browser to direct the user to a website or other action. In our case, the map product page (free or purchase) in the Avenza Map Store.

These QR codes can be strategically placed on printed maps, signage, websites, advertising and anywhere else your maps are promoted.

An example of such a QR code is:

As we have all seen over the last decade, the distribution and consumption of music, videos and books has moved to a digital model and so, the question then becomes, why not maps? Similarly to the aforementioned media types, maps are also very conducive to both the distribution and use in a digital and mobile way. As we see organizations like Borders, Blockbuster and Kodak succumb to this digital revolution, we map-makers must adapt or suffer a similar fate.

Watch Ted Florence give a demonstration of the PDF Maps app to Daily Planet host Dan Riskin.

Click the jump to watch the video.