The gift of mapping: Deals, directories, real-time collaboration, and more?

Before you take that long-awaited vacation or make trays of holiday treats, let’s unbox some exciting things we’ve been baking up, some insightful trends, and more useful ways to use indoor maps. First off, from our team to yours, we hope you have a safe and happy holiday!

Mapping in a shopping wonderland ??

The latest in mall tech and high demand for in-person experiences is energizing a festive holiday shopping experience this season.

Last month, we talked about how Mappedin Directory helps malls and stores guide visitors as they navigate the holiday hustle. Just published, JLL’s 2024 Holiday Shopping Report says that mall shoppers are expected to increase 18.7% (in Canada) this year and that shopping centers remain the preferred choice, with an overwhelming majority of those surveyed (99%) planning to visit one during the holiday season.

The report also shared that 74% plan to shop in-store and 70% said they plan to shop online. ’Tis the season of spending as shoppers expect to increase their holiday budgets and expenditures by close to 32% compared to last year.

Dashing through website maps, directory kiosks and mobile wayfinding, shoppers will experience more joy as malls and their tenants exceed the expectations of?visitors who are mapping all the way.

Make finding deals fast and easy anywhere, anytime ???

While shoppers are planning to spend more, they are more mindful of how they are spending it. According to these insights, 50% of U.S. consumers rate discounts as influencing their purchase decisions. In addition, these reports reveal that nearly 80% of consumers worldwide compare prices, read reviews, and access deals on a retailer’s website or app from their smartphone while shopping in-store.

Just in time for the holidays, we’ve unwrapped new ways for malls to promote deals and events with Mappedin Web. Make deal hunting faster and easier for shoppers who visit your website from home, in-store, and on the go. Let shoppers browse deals and events with an interactive list for quick discovery and details. When browsing specifically for deals, display only locations with current promotions for easy selection and navigation.

Easier interaction for busy shoppers ??

Directories provide a great visitor experience in any venue and extend beyond only advertising—they create interactions that customers appreciate.

Now available on Mappedin Directory, zoom buttons provide a simple alternative to pinch-to-zoom gestures, ideal for visitors with hands full of shopping bags, holding children, or those who find touch gestures challenging.

Make maps together in real-time ????????

Available in our latest update on Mappedin Plus and Pro, teams can start mapping in a collaborative and friendly space. Multiple mapmakers can edit simultaneously, providing real-time collaborative mapping. Bring teams together to build and edit maps faster, more intuitively, and without dealing with versioning or missed messages about what to edit. Working remotely, reviewing maps together, and making decisions are all faster – with less frustration.

Don't be square, custom objects are here ??

We recently released our new Custom Objects tool! Now available in all self-service mapping plans. Add more detail to your indoor maps easily by creating unique objects and shapes for a more accurate and personalized space. Add recognizable objects such as landmarks, office furniture, and more, including detailed information to make any object a destination. Curved benches or desks? No problem!

Build impressive applications with our SDK ??

To show how custom applications can power locations for any occasion, we recently built a Toronto Union Station map with our SDK. By connecting real-time train locations, departure times, and indoor navigation we’re helping commuters and visitors to understand how different types of information and map data can be displayed in one spot. ?????

See more examples of how our SDK can build custom mapping experiences in our Developer Portal Showcase.

Hot off the press ??

Android indoor Wi-Fi Ranging, a blue dot solution at last? ??

Android Authority spotted something interesting, Android 15 now supports Wi-Fi Ranging. It essentially relies on varying strength of signals from Wi-Fi access points to figure out your location indoors. Hmm… blue dot for indoors finally coming for Android users?

Why employees need Microsoft Places ????

Microsoft says that around 49% of global knowledge workers say that they don’t see the people that actually matter to them when they come to the office. Even worse, when employees need to access specific spaces, desks, and meeting rooms for hybrid collaboration, they struggle to reserve the resources they actually need.

Check out how we're helping workplaces map and export to Microsoft Places IMDF.

AI-powered smart eyeglasses ???

Smart eyeglasses, powered by AI, are coming. It will help visually impaired individuals identify other people and objects while providing reading assistance and indoor navigation.

Join our team!

Check out our open roles and follow us on Instagram to stay up-to-date with our team highlights.

? Product Designer

We recently highlighted Carrie Bortz, our Director of Customer Implementation, in a blog to help you learn how we deliver solutions to our customers.

Don't forget, you can give the gift of mapping by simply sharing this link (https://app.mappedin.com/editor/?signup=true) with anyone ... best of all it's free! ??

Thanks for catching up with us in about a minute! See you in the new year! ??