In recent months, major players and small start-up companies have launched services that engage user communities in updating their existing content and creating new dynamic real-time content. Many of these initiatives are embedded within a mobile social networking context in which real-time experiences are shared.

“TomTom has announced that it reached the milestone of 1 million map improvements, as suggested by users via the company ’s Map Share technology, ” says ABI Research principal analyst Dominique Bonte. “This feature allows users to enter map corrections on their PNDs (Personal Navigation Devices) while driving. The TomTom Map Share community has grown to more than 500,000 users since its launch in July 2007, demonstrating the willingness of users to contribute to the enhancement of digital map quality. The acquisition of Tele Atlas will allow TomTom to further improve its Map Share technology and to strengthen its community. ”

On the other side of the spectrum, start-up GyPSii officially launched its mobile social networking application at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. GyPSii lets users create and share location-based content via their mobile phones. It combines features such as friend-finder, POI search, and the option to upload and share geo-tagged pictures and video. In the future, location-based advertising will be added.

“As connected PNDs, handset-based pedestrian navigation, and location-based services begin to emerge, ” concludes Bonte, “user-generated location content will become a key component that permits companies to enhance their services with real-time information in a cost-effective way that strengthens their communities and brand names. Initiatives like GyPSii may ultimately reach a status comparable with existing social networking sites, such as Facebook and MySpace. ”

User-Generated Digital Maps and POIs ( http://www.abiresearch.com/products/market_research/UGMP), a recent report from ABI Research, examines the major user-generated location content features, players, trends, drivers, and barriers. The report also forecasts the number of community-ready navigation devices and the number of active users involved in user-generated content initiatives. It forms part of the firm ’s Location Aware Services ( http://www.abiresearch.com/products/service/Location_Aware_Services) Research Service.