Just put it on the map

By: Sara Crouse

All journalists know the importance of proximity, but a British news company is going beyond the journalism standard in proximity.

Independent Television News, a British news company, is currently developing a way to pinpoint a reader’s proximity to breaking news. ITN is combining forces with Google Maps to develop a way for users to view news by pinpointing their location on a map, and then selecting stories that are flagged in the surrounding area. The flag will give a headline for a news story, and the reader has the option to view the full story.

Furthermore, the official name for the tool is Geolocation API. The tool has been used for many things in recent years, for example Geolocation API can pinpoint changes in a user’s location over time. Pinpointing such changes can lead to better service for the user.

Imagine, a tool so advanced that it recognizes a change in address automatically, through the location of one’s Wi-Fi connection. The tool will then prompt the user to view relevant news stories in the user’s new area of residence.

Though in its early stages, Google Gears Geolocation API, has the potential to expand into providing more videos and potentially music. Ave Wrigley, head of new media at ITN, says,

“The Geolocation API is a real breakthrough, allowing content providers like ITN for the first time to easily develop location aware services without complex and potentially costly arrangements with third-party service providers or mobile operators.”

For now, users can filter news stories on the website much like a hometown newspaper. In upcoming months users may even be able to listen to their favorite local garage band, or view an advertisement for the boutique just down the street.

The anticipation doesn’t end there either. One can anticipate many helpful flags popping up in the next few months.