Google launched Google Maps fifteen years ago and the mapping technology is still being updated to include more cities all over the world.
In Kenya, it is a wrap for the first phase of mapping, address allocation and labeling of social amenities, businesses and other establishments in Kisumu County.
The mapping exercise was carried out by the county partnering with Google Plus Codes, which has put together a credible system of locating properties to enhance navigation around the lake city. A Plus Code is a simple code consisting of letters and numerals combined with a location.
“Over 22,000 buildings have been identified and labeled on the search engine’s maps platform. This one-of-a-kind address system uses Google Plus Codes and makes it efficient for anyone with an Android device to navigate the city and county finding the accurate location for places that don’t have labeled streets, alleys, or roads,” said Plus Code solutions and market lead Jacqueline Rajuai.
The Plus Codes live was first showcased to the delegation that attended the 9th Africities Summit, which took place at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Kisumu City.
Africities is the coalition of cities and local governments of Africa. The Pan-African event is held every three years in one of the five regions of Africa.
As reported by Business Daily, Jacqueline Rajuai also added that Google had extended the same program in other various parts of western Kenya.
“Google has also extended the same program to other neighboring areas which include Mbale, Luanda, Majengo, Mudete, and Chavakali in Vihiga County, where it has mapped 20,000 addresses,” Ms. Rajuai added.
Jacqueline Rajuai indicated that the second phase of the program set to begin in the coming months would cover 60,000 more properties in Kisumu county alone.
Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, Governor of Kisumu County said the digital address system was going to ease service delivery in the city and open up e-commerce opportunities.
“The smart city of the future must incorporate technology in all aspects of life. Whether economic or social. That is why we need Plus Codes in a city like Kisumu,” said the governor.
Miss Rajuai also noted that the completion of the project would ease access to densely populated areas and enhance the potential of their individual economies.
Kisumu by mapping and assigning homes, businesses and most social amenities has transformed and opened up for a host of ventures such as on-demand, just-in-time deliveries, and more.
New technologies like what3words is changing the mapping game to no more postcodes. In 2 years, you will describe your location in 3 simple words.
