MapNTL is a tool that allows users to find street locations (currently only Lagos, Abuja coming soon!) and claims to provide point-to-point driving directions across the country. You only need to look at the map detail Google, Yahoo and Microsoft have on Nigeria to understand how useful this tool is. MapNTL is led by Ireti Ajala and is a subsidary of Spatial Technologies.
The main source of reveune will be through an advertising platform which allow companies (like banks, restuarants, hotels etc) to show users their branch locations on the map. MapNTL also plans to use ads on its site to generate addtional reveunes. Earlier this year, the company signed an agreement with StartupsNigeria to form Nigerian Online Ads Network (NOAN) to provide targeted ads to Nigerian internet users.
The technology behind MapNTL is impressive. The site does seem to work although it still feels a bit buggy. For example, I got directions from Surulere to Ilupeju just fine. I proceeded to try to get directions for Tastee Fried Chicken in Agege to another outlet in Ikoyi and kept getting the result from my previous search. I started another browser (Firefox), the same search gave me the map of lagos – no directions. I also tried to go from Zenith Bank in Yaba to one of their branches in Victoria Island. I eventually gave up.
What would I like to see improved?
The MapNTL site could do with a better layout which focuses more on the map tools available, which will ensure that the user gets a better experience using the site. The way the ads are currently arranged makes the site feel somewhat confusing. Bradysmaps (based in South Africa) has a much cleaner layout which is easier to follow. Although Bradysmaps doesn’t have ads – there is scope to integrate it easily.
Rather than having to click on service locations (e.g UBA Branch in Ikoyi), it would be preferable if this could automatically appear when the mouse hovers around that particular branch/location or have a marker which is bigger (like Google maps). Sometimes clicking on certain parts of the maps produced a HTTP 500 error.
Make it easier to send the map of location to friends and for webmasters to easily embed the MapNTL on their websites. Take for example – BarCampNigeria used google maps to give directions and was able to add a marker.
Overall MapNTL definitely has the technological capabilities to deliver this platform across Nigeria, however the company has to focus on enhancing user experience to ensure that Nigerians get the best out of its service.
