Astoria,OR--Map Bureau announced today the launch of an automated event map service.This service allows content providers to build event maps in the Macromedia Flash format for web distribution.The maps show events on both a base map and a calendar in a coordinated interactive display.Web pages may be linked to the events as well.The maps are suitable for displaying events of many kinds, including sporting, cultural, professional, and news events.Itineraries of musicians, sports teams, tour vehicles, or anything else that travels are also suitable applications.The low-cost maps are zoomable and have a small file size for rapid download, even over dial-up connections.They are easily integrated with other web content.

The service is implemented through a simple online interface at http://www.mapbureau.com.The customer selects preferences and then provides a data file of event specifics including event descriptions, dates, locations, and associated URLs.Using customer-provided preferences and data, the maps are automatically generated by Map Bureau for deployment at the customer's web site.Target customers include anyone with a web site who needs to communicate information about events or tours.No specialized expertise, nor licenses to Marcromedia Flash or mapping software, are required.

Map Bureau specializes in creating interactive maps in the Macromedia Flash format.Until the new automated service was developed, the maps had been custom-built per application.Chris Goad, president of Map Bureau Bureau, says:

"Interactive maps are a rich medium for the communication of information over the internet.Ninety-six percent of web browsers are Flash enabled, and the compact size of Flash files makes them very accessible.At Map Bureau, we are continuously extending the coverage of our component technology, with the goal of low cost and efficient generation of maps.Event maps tell the user at a glance which events might be of interest from a location standpoint, and the maps are simply a compelling way to display information.We are looking forward to seeing more maps on the internet, and we are working towards making them available to people who don't want to invest in specialized GIS or web development tools."

contact:
Chris Goad
cg@mapbureau.com