Meta has more than 3 billion users across Instagram, WhatsApp, and even its new AR glasses. Behind the scenes, all of them are powered by one thing: maps. But instead of relying on closed systems, Meta is betting big on open dataโand building its own global map.
In this episode, I talk with Said Turksever from Meta, who leads their open mapping strategy. We dive into:
๐ Why Meta cares so much about maps
๐ The tools theyโre building with AI and open source
๐ How cities from Phoenix to Naples are being transformed by open data
๐ถ The future of pedestrian mapping and accessibility
๐ค The role of communities in shaping the next generation of maps
From disaster response to daily navigation, the impact of open mapping stretches far beyond social media. This is a conversation about technology, community, and the future of how we navigate the world.
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