Discover the untold story behind Google Maps and the mapping revolution in Bill Kilday’s “Never Lost Again.” This gripping narrative unveils the journey of Keyhole, a struggling startup that transformed into a tech giant. Explore how their innovative mapping technology not only changed navigation but also sparked new industries. Kilday, an insider, provides a captivating behind-the-scenes look at the visionaries, challenges, and breakthroughs that led to Google Maps, Google Earth, and even Pokmon GO. More than just a business story, it’s a tale of innovation, resilience, and the profound impact of mapping on our world. A must-read for anyone curious about the technology shaping our future.
Never Lost Again: The Google Mapping Revolution That Sparked New Industries and Augmented Our Reality
18.86 $
In stock
Description
As enlightening as The Facebook Effect, Elon Musk, and Chaos Monkeysthe compelling, behind-the-scenes story of the creation of one of the most essential applications ever devised, and the rag-tag team that built it and changed how we navigate the world
Never Lost Again chronicles the evolution of mapping technologythe “overnight success twenty years in the making.” Bill Kilday takes us behind the scenes of the techs development, and introduces to the team that gave us not only Google Maps but Google Earth, and most recently, Pokmon GO.
He takes us back to the beginning to Keyholea cash-strapped startup mapping company started by a small-town Texas boy named John Hanke, that nearly folded when the tech bubble burst. While a contract with the CIA kept them afloat, the companys big break came with the first invasion of Iraq; CNN used their technology to cover the war and made it famous. Then Google came on the scene, buying the company and relaunching the software as Google Maps and Google Earth. Eventually, Hankes original company was spun back out of Google, and is now responsible for Pokmon GO and the upcoming Harry Potter: Wizards Unite.
Kilday, the marketing director for Keyhole and Google Maps, was there from the earliest days, and offers a personal look behind the scenes at the tech and the minds developing it. But this book isnt only a look back at the past; it is also a glimpse of whats to come. Kilday reveals how emerging map-based technologies including virtual reality and driverless cars are going to upend our lives once again.
Never Lost Again shows us how our worldview changed dramatically as a result of vision, imagination, and implementation. Its a crazy story. And it all started with a really good map.
Embark on a captivating journey behind the screens and into the very core of how we navigate our world with "Never Lost Again: The Google Mapping Revolution That Sparked New Industries and Augmented Our Reality" by Bill Kilday. This isn't just a story about technology; it's a human story, a chronicle of ingenuity, perseverance, and the accidental revolution that transformed our lives. Kilday, former marketing director at Keyhole and later Google Maps, provides an unprecedented insider's perspective on the evolution of mapping technology, from its humble beginnings to its ubiquitous presence in our pockets and dashboards. He peels back the layers of the Google Maps story, revealing the personalities, the struggles, and the pivotal moments that shaped one of the most impactful applications of our time. Discover the saga of Keyhole, the scrappy startup founded by John Hanke, a visionary with roots in rural Texas. Witness their near-collapse during the dot-com bubble burst, and learn how an unexpected partnership with the CIA provided a lifeline. Experience the breakthrough moment when CNN leveraged Keyhole's technology to cover the Iraq War, catapulting them into the public eye. "Never Lost Again" goes beyond a simple recounting of events. Kilday meticulously details the complex technological hurdles the team faced, from stitching together satellite imagery to creating a seamless, interactive map. He delves into the Google acquisition, the transformation of Keyhole into Google Maps and Google Earth, and the challenges of scaling the technology to a global audience. He paints a vivid picture of the internal debates, the innovative spirit, and the relentless pursuit of perfection that defined the Google Maps team. The narrative extends beyond the past, offering a glimpse into the future of mapping technology. Kilday explores the transformative potential of virtual reality, augmented reality, and autonomous vehicles, highlighting how these innovations are poised to reshape our world once again. He examines the ethical considerations surrounding these advancements, raising questions about privacy, data security, and the potential for bias in algorithmic mapping. This book also traces the lineage of innovation, revealing how Hanke's entrepreneurial spirit led him to spin his original company back out of Google, ultimately resulting in the creation of Niantic Labs, the company behind the global phenomenon Pokmon GO. "Never Lost Again" vividly captures the serendipitous nature of innovation and the unexpected pathways that lead to groundbreaking discoveries. More than just a business history, "Never Lost Again" is a reflection on the power of vision, the importance of collaboration, and the profound impact that technology can have on human lives. It's a story for anyone who has ever marveled at the ease with which we navigate the world, for those who are curious about the forces shaping our future, and for anyone who appreciates a compelling tale of ambition, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of innovation. Prepare to have your perspective shifted as you uncover the intricate story of how a really good map changed everything. This book is a must-read for tech enthusiasts, business professionals, and anyone interested in the intersection of technology, society, and the future of navigation.
Additional information
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Binding | |
| Condition | |
| ISBN-10 | 0062673041 |
| ISBN-13 | 9780062673046 |
| Language | |
| Pages | 368 |
| Publisher | |
| Year published | |
| Weight | 270 |
