Taking surprise out of Shanghai Metro
COMMUTERS on Shanghai’s vast underground network are in for an easier ride thanks to the efforts of a Southampton mapping company.
Following in the footsteps of Harry Beck, designer of the iconic London Tube map, digital map designers Communicarta have revolutionised navigating the world’s longest metro network by creating a mobile phone application.
Lost in Shanghai? Not anymore, thanks to British design expertise!
Press release 22 July 2010
Lost in Shanghai?
Not anymore, thanks to British design expertise!
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South East firm puts the “app” into transport mapping
British design success in China is not limited to our brilliant architects, such as Norman Foster, with his Bird Nest design for the Beijing Olympics stadium, or Thomas Heatherwick and his award-winning UK pavilion at Shanghai Expo 2010.
In the digital map design field, Communicarta Ltd, with operations in High Wycombe and Southampton, is building a world-leading international business, and Shanghai is the latest success for its precision digital transport map technology. This small company’s cutting-edge digital mapping applications are making a global impact with support from UK Trade & Investment (UKTI).
The company has teamed up with China’s oldest (113 years old) and most prestigious publishing house, The Commercial Press (CP), Beijing, to produce mobile applications (apps) for the Shanghai metro.
The digital publishing partnership with CP was formally announced at a press conference in Beijing at CP’s headquarters on 12 July.
“We have completely re-designed the Shanghai metro map,” said Robin Woods, Communicarta’s CEO. “Our philosophy is about presenting our maps in a way that is clear and easy to follow. And now, with Communicarta’s Shanghai Metro apps available on iTunes, Nokia Ovistore and Blackberry Appworld, guests to Shanghai are in for a real treat. This is instant and effortless journey planning on a brand new level!”
Over 20 years of research by Communicarta Ltd found that many of the official maps of transport systems in major cities are either inaccurate, out of date or difficult to use. Now, with export trade advice from UKTI South East, the firm is building an international business with its dependable and precise customised city transport maps and apps.
Until last year, printed maps were the firm’s staple. The move into digital apps followed an approach in March 2009 from Nintendo for an app for its DSi device. Collaboration with Nintendo’s technical developers in Kyoto, Japan, resulted in the creation and licensing of nine city transport map apps to the video/computer games giant.
Speaking of the CP hook-up, Robin said: “The future is really exciting for our business in China. We plan to develop digital maps for Beijing, Hong Kong and many other cities, in collaboration with CP. We are also looking to use our developing expertise to help CP create many interesting and educational apps in the future.”
Four years ago, in order to be better prepared to explore the Chinese market, the company signed up to UKTI’s Passport to Export programme of advice and assistance for new exporters, working with International Trade Adviser and China specialist Chris Lowsley.
“Without UKTI, I doubt we would have achieved so much. Apart from the welcome financial assistance and logistical support, it has been invaluable to have access, in Chris, to a specialist who keeps abreast of market developments in China, and to all the practical support and knowledge that this translates into for us,” Robin said.
Chris said: “Communicarta’s Shanghai Metro application is very innovative and shows that, with the right preparation and support, a small British company can do well in China through collaborating with the big dynamic players.”
The Press Conference in Beijing
Our journey of co-operation with our esteemed Chinese partner began here
Back in December 2009, Communicarta embarked on a momentous journey to Beijing to further bolster its relationship with one of China’s most prestigious and highly regarded publishing house, The Commercial Press, Beijing , following on from a number of successful visits since 2007.
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- Mr. Wang Tao and Mr. Woods
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- Official Directors' meeting
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- Ancient scroll paper weights made of exotic wood
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- Mr. Woods thanking Mr. Wang Tao for his very kind and wonderful gift
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- Mr. Wang Tao receiving a gift of friendship from Mr. Woods
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- The firm handshake of friends
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- First Women's magazine of China was published here
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- Large book exhibits
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- This piece of marble is one of the impressive sights that can be seen at the Forbidden City
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- Mr. Woods had the pleasure of a private escorted tour of the Forbidden City provided The Commercial Press
Industry leaders met at the World Metro Rail Summit-China 2010
Very recently, Communicarta was invited to speak at the the 6th World Metro Rail Summit-China 2010. The event was a huge success and was attended by Industry leaders from around the world ( ranging from New York’s MTA, Communicarta Ltd. UK to Seoul’s Metro)
Communicarta’s CEO Robin Woods delivered a thought provoking presentation on “Improving Customer Information”, which was well received by the audience (video to follow soon)
We would like express our gratitude to Mr. Henry Tan of HNZ Industry Media, Shanghai, for his very warm welcome and the great Chinese hospitality shown to us throughout the 3 days Summit.
