Interactive touchscreen maps have exploded in popularity in recent years.
Starting with services like Google Maps and progressing to the myriad of web-based and mobile applications available now, they're everywhere. These maps provide opportunities for nearly limitless data, user interactivity and the ability to provide information that would require masses of paper maps to replicate. The best bit about this burst in popularity? Purpose-built maps are brilliant for property marketing too.
What is an Interactive Touchscreen Map?
Simply put, an interactive map is a map that users use a touchscreen to manipulate. Users can explore the map by zooming in and out, panning around and clicking on integrated links, photos and videos.
Your map scope can be as detailed as focusing on a specific city, or as macro as looking at your total global impact. You have the option to showcase any locations you want too - office locations, property developments, partner sites or even highlights of a chosen locality. Whatever conveys your message best.
Why are Interactive Touchscreen Maps Good for Marketing?
As users can turn on and off data layers, you can pack large amounts of information into your map. By giving the user control, they can easily navigate to the information they want to see or, in the case of your sales team, the information they want to present to clients.
By showcasing geographic locations relevant to your brand. you can captivate and engage audiences at trade shows, conferences and other in-person events. Interactive experiences are a great way to draw people over to your stand from across the room, or you can use the map on a mobile phone or tablet while you're at networking events. However you choose to use it, a mixture of a personalised experience and touch technology never fails to bring the buzz.
Here's one we made earlier:
(Introductory line credit: Blue Peter)
As you can see, it's a powerful portfolio of Latimer's property developments. Used for an overseas sales event, the team had all the information they needed about UK developments in one place. Once a development is selected, users discover information, images and videos so they can cut to what's relevant. This map was used on both a large table touchscreen and as a 'pocket portfolio' on a portable iPad for ultimate flexibility.
Here's another example:
As part of the ongoing Croydon regeneration project, this interactive was used at MIPIM and was designed to support multiple people interacting with the same display at the same time. This meant the map could accommodate groups of stand visitors, who could interact and engage with Croydon's multiple residential, commercial and mixed-use developments at once.
With all that being said, we'd love to know what you think of interactive touchscreen maps. Have you used one at an event and what difference did it make to your success?
Heading to MIPIM? Drop us a line to discuss how to maximise your MIPIM with a map!