SITA has invested in Dynamic Mapping start-up LocusLabs to help fuel developments of new geo-location technology for use by airports and airlines.
The investment reflects SITA’s continued focus on developing and delivering common-use geo-location technology which merges mapping with a wide range of location data, helping passengers find the services they need near them by using their electronic devices. LocusLabs mapping is already in use at several major international airports, and by airlines.
LocusLabs’ mapping functionality features in SITA’s Day of Travel airport app, power the enhanced contextual way-finding features of the Miami International Airport and Nice Côte d’Azur Airport apps.
These graphically enriched, vector-based maps, can guide travellers to their gates or other airport service stations and concessions. With content including images, attributes, keywords and other metadata, the maps reveal points of interest, retail stores and other amenities.
The dynamic mapping solution is fully customisable, allowing airports and airlines to benefit from the same dynamic maps and metadata while tailoring these to meet their brand objectives.
“SITA has a clear focus to fast track innovation on behalf of the air transport industry and provide new technology that makes air travel easier at every step. These investments complement our own research and development at SITA Lab, by investing in complementary technologies that add value to our overall portfolio,” says Jim Peters, Chief Technology Officer at SITA. “LocusLabs is a perfect example—its geo-location capability adds real value to SITA’s cutting-edge airport app and opens new possibilities to enhance the passenger experience using location.”
LocusLabs CEO and Co-Founder, Campbell Kennedy, said: “While LocusLabs’ mapping technology continues to help millions of passengers find their way through airports globally, technology continues to change rapidly and we need to keep pace to remain relevant. Future smart buildings and augmented reality applications are the new frontier for maps and with the support of SITA, both as an investor as well as a technology specialist in the air transport industry, LocusLabs can bring these technologies to fruition.”