Idevio’s Locago app is more than a map for millions

OviPublisherSuccesses | 22 September, 2011 02:29

Any map application can show you street names and help you navigate. It takes a special app, however, to integrate everything you need to know about a place into one central location. Locago is a map and local search app that not only provides directions and GPS support, but also lets users search Wikipedia and Flickr, get the local weather forecast and browse visitor’s guides. By embedding additional layers of information into a map interface, Locago provides a better experience for users relaxing in their hometown or exploring a new city.

Developed by Sweden-based Idevio, the Locago application is based on the company’s unique method to compress and stream digital maps, called RaveGeo. RaveGeo is a multi-resolution format and software for vector-based geographical information with high compression and fast access.  Beyond Locago, Idevio develops additional mapping, routing and geocoding software components for web, mobile and embedded systems that are easy for developers to customize and integrate.

Application Layers

Using Locago, end users can learn almost anything about the place they are in. In addition to pulling up a map with street-level detail, global coverage and directions capabilities, users can enjoy features not available in other map apps. For example, users can share their location with friends on Locago and meet up more easily. You can also locate nearby WiFi hotspots, bus stops and houses for sale. Locago can even show your personal calendar entries on a map, display 3-D images of famous landmarks and search restaurant reviews.

“We were disappointed with the current map applications and the spread of our own map technology. We wanted to show that maps with many layers can run smoothly on low-end devices,” said Patric Nordström, CEO, Idevio.

idevio success story idevio success story

Locago currently supports more than 60 different data sources and layers, a number that will only go up thanks to Idevio’s open API. Anyone can develop new layers for the application, which results in a dynamic application with ever increasing use-case scenarios for users. The application does not need special or high-end hardware to work and easily runs on most Java Enabled devices. 

Locago has low bandwidth demands, though an internet connection is mandatory. Users can get Locago for free from Nokia Store and download maps to their phone for US $4.99. An ad-free version, called Locago+, can be purchased for US $1.99

Developing Locago

Development of Locago began in 2007, and the application first launched in 2008. “The Nokia Java implementation, the tools and the store are solid and great to work with,” said Nordström. “It's amazing to reach such a large audience and get so much positive feedback.”

With a team of less than five, Idevio was able to create an application with outstanding performance that was not hindered by streaming large amounts of data. Idevio also worked hard to ensure that the abundant information can be read easily on a relatively small screen.

Results

The Locago application has been downloaded more than three million times from the Nokia Store in 2011 alone. The cumulative downloads from Nokia Store are close to seven million. Also, more downloads come from Nokia Store than from Locago’s other platforms combined.

"We're overwhelmed by the tremendous response Locago got in the Nokia Store. We just wanted to build an app that we wanted to use ourselves," said Nordström.

Locago is available around the world and is currently in use in 216 countries. The application was recently translated from English-only to 15 additional languages, which resulted in a 100 percent increase in downloads.

Introducing a touch interface also had an impact on the number of downloads. The first version of Locago was based on devices equipped with a joystick and soft keys. As mobile platforms have evolved, like the Nokia Series 40, Idevio updated the application to run on a touch and type interface, too.

The application has also met with critical acclaim in the press, with a reviewer at Know Your Mobile writing, “All in all, this is an extremely useful app, and the option to publish your own content in its layers function is the cherry on the cake!”

Location Based Services , Ovi Store , Location | Permalink | Add comment | Trackbacks (0)

Featured links
Develop
Distribution
Blogs
Community
Resources
Site Map
Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy
Nokia Developer aims to help you create apps and publish them so you can connect with users around the world.

京ICP备05048969号  © Copyright Nokia 2013 All rights reserved