Melbourne Council has invited several small focus groups to test a new internet mapping system (IMS) currently in development.

 

The IMS is targeted at new residents of Melbourne and those looking to learn about other municipalities. The IMS will display community points of interest, such as healthcare services, parks and libraries.

 

The IMS has been in the works for 18 months, according to council.

 

The invitation went out through its Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/notes/city-of-melbourne/help-the-city-of-melbourne-test-the-usability-and-the-content-of-our-new-on-line/213248618698381

 

"The online system has been built for use by a diverse community, including ratepayers, residents, citizens, seniors, young people, small and large business people, tourists, heritage groups etc.

 

"One of the things we want to test is how easy the system is to use, even for people with no, or limited, internet experience,"

 

Speaking to ZDNet Australia, the council said that the technical specifications of the system may change based on the feedback and outcomes from the test, and, as such, the council would not reveal what technology was used in the design of the mapping system.