Waze: User-Powered Mapping Service

I’m personally very much enlightened by Jonathan Zittrain’s TED talk about “The Web as random acts of kindness“ where net citizens take it upon themselves to contribute for a common cost without asking for a paycheck or in fact, anything in return. I believe Waze’s community-centric mapping service is a good example of such interaction.

Waze is an unique mapping service that not only provides live maps, real-time traffic updates and turn-by-turn navigation but utilizes its user community to provide alerts and updates on live on-road events.

“one person utilize their specific expertize, and everyone benefits.” – from Waze.com, highlighting the unique feature of a optimal commute experience generated by its own user-base

Since its introduction to the U.S from Israel (where it first begin) back in May, we have seen a booming growth in its user-base. And the application has also been multiplying itself across platforms which now includes Android, iPhone and Windows Mobile.

Waze’s Guided Tour

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Get a better idea of how Waze works in this quick guided tour. Trust me, it would be better than reading plain text.

Waze on Windows Mobile

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You can also check on Waze’s coverage in your area by selecting from your city (or the city closest to you) from the drop-down box under Live Map. Currently the Seattle region is in Early Building stage with most of the expected features meeting basic requirements. Check now to see the coverage of Waze in your area.

The application itself, while focused on optimization and productivity, is actually quite fun to use. You can gain points for each mile you munched (or traveled). Real-time interaction meant you can LOL to the entire world.

Waze is currently in its alpha testing stage, you may download the application (for both smartphones and Pocket PCs) by pointing your mobile browser to http://m.waze.com or visit Waze’s download page.