Toronto startup
DataAppeal launched a new application in June that allows users to easily create well-designed 3-D and 4-D maps of geo-location data. The new product, which had its genesis in founder Nadia Amoroso's PhD thesis about two years ago, has already drawn notice from the people at
Google Earth (who called the product "neat stuff" and a "solid tool" and has been put to use by the
Globe and Mail (scroll down to see data maps). Amoroso says that DataAppeal is getting good traffic now, during a free Beta phase. After further refinements, the plan is to make DataAppeal work on a freemium model where a basic version is available at no charge and more sophisticated elements are available for a price.
DataAppeal CEO Amoroso says the project was built by professionals to ensure the data maps are both visually appealing but useful, "The models have been created through a collaboration of GIS specialists and artists to ensure that data is displayed in a more visually appealing manner to create a stronger response to information."
In its infancy, the company is
now hiring people with expertise in software development, and 3-D rendering and modelling. Amoroso says the plan is currently to add two members to her team, "Particularly those with experience with KML or KMZ languages, or with php and CakePHP. A visual or graphics background is very helpful too."
Writer: Edward Keenan
Source: Nadia Amoroso, CEO, DataAppeal