1. 31 March, 2010 – The first intelligent map information system ‘OneMap’ was launched today by Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Mr. K Shanmugam. This interactive map system is an integrated online geospatial platform that provides reliable, timely and accurate location-based information and services to the public.

2. It is a multi-agency platform built on a common base map of Singapore and provides a myriad of services and functions that allow users to search and navigate intelligently for places of interest such as museums, hawker centres, childcare services, parks and sports centres. One particularly useful service is SchoolQuery which allows users to find out whether their homes are within a radius of 1 or 2 kilometres of a particular school.

3. OneMap aims to spur innovation by facilitating and promoting the use of geospatial information across the public, private and people sectors. Companies, organisations and individuals can tap on OneMap’s advanced web mapping technologies to create useful and value-added services within their own websites. Some examples of services created include volunteering opportunities based on location, interest and availability, hot spots for bird watching, driving directions, retail promotions based on locations and research on competition and market profiling for business at specific location.

4. Built on Web 2.0 technologies, this makes OneMap very user-friendly and convenient for users to leverage on its base maps to create new applications with their own data through the use of an Application Programming Interface (API). This allows sharing of spatial content using internet services, accessible on desktop and mobile platforms.

5. OneMap is the first major application of the Singapore Geospatial Collaborative Environment (SG-SPACE) initiative. SG-SPACE is a whole-of-government initiative to create an environment in which the public and private sectors and the community can collaborate and create a wide range of innovative applications and services using geospatial or map-based information.

6. OneMap is a multi-agency collaborative initiative. Participating agencies include the Infocomm Development Authority, Land Transport Authority, Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts, Ministry of Law, National Arts Council, National Environment Agency, National Heritage Board, National Library Board, National Parks Board, People’s Association, Singapore Land Authority, Singapore Sports Council, Singapore Tourism Board and the Urban Redevelopment Authority.

7. “We hope OneMap will spur the development of more innovative and useful map-based applications by both the private and people sectors. The public can tap on the reliable and timely content and mash up with their own collection of spatial information to create services to support business and individual needs,” said Mr. Ng Siau Yong, Director, GeoSpatial Division, Singapore Land Authority.

8. Mr. Lo Yoong Khong, Cluster Director, Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore, further added, “We are glad that the four companies in the i-Singapore Programme are already using OneMap’s geospatial technology to offer business analytics, location-based commerce services, real-time navigation system and integrated traffic information application. Such innovative services create new business opportunities; improved lifestyle and decision-making for businesses and consumers.”

9. Some pioneer applications developed using OneMap from the public and private sector enterprises include the National Parks Board’s Parks “Live” developed by the Centre for IT Innovation, Nanyang Polytechnic, Season Parking eMap service by the Urban Redevelopment Authority, ShowNearby Analytics by ShowNearby Pte Ltd and SG Cares portal by the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre. For details, please refer to Annex A.

10. “The OneMap portal offers users a practical and critical local map base. Its structure provides consistent reliability and accuracy which enhances ShowNearby Analytics’ capabilities to provide users with push-map accessibility to public amenities and facilities,” said Douglas Gan, CEO and Founder of ShowNearby.

11. Another agency from the non-profit sector shared the same sentiments on OneMap’s application. "We are excited that OneMap will enable our SG Cares volunteers to search for volunteer opportunities in such an easy and visual way which will greatly enhance their search experience," added David Fong, Director, SG Cares.

12. Going forward, more public agencies are expected to come on board to contribute new geospatial information and services. The vision is for this intelligent map portal to be a platform for the geospatial industry and community ecosystem to evolve and grow, and for the private sector and individuals to create value-added services.

13. For more information, log on to http://www.onemap.sg/.

Issued on 31 March 2010