Google has\u00a0launched a report detailing the impact of digital geospatial services on the South African economy.<\/p>\n
The study shows that mapping tools, including Google Maps, are making positive economic contributions around the globe to employment, emergency response and time management.<\/p>\n
According to the report, digital mapping services provide South African consumers with R50 billion in annual benefits.<\/p>\n
This includes around 100 million hours per year from more efficient purchases through information on digital maps, or\u00a0R5 billion based on local wage rates.<\/p>\n
Businesses have also benefitted from digital mapping services, having supported around R456 billion in sales for South African businesses by providing useful facts such as store hours, contact information and reviews.<\/p>\n
\u201cDigital Maps have become powerful tools for policymakers to ensure the safety of their citizens, and for companies and consumers to save time and money when managing their daily affairs,” said Fortune Sibanda, public policy and government relationships manager at Google South Africa.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey aren\u2019t just a way of making it easier for people to get around, they\u2019re tools for exploration, business, and education.<\/p>\n
“And their benefits are far bigger than people may think.<\/p>\n
“We discovered that geospatial services not only make life easier – by helping people turn their intentions of finding a place into actions of getting there – but also support the global economy by creating tangible benefits for businesses and consumers,\u201d Sibanda said.<\/p>\n