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 data—and building its own global map.
In this episode, I talk with Said Turksever from Meta, who leads their open mapping strategy. We dive into:
🌍 Why Meta cares so much about maps
🛠 The tools they’re building with AI and open source
🏙 How cities from Phoenix to Naples are being transformed by open data
🚶 The future of pedestrian mapping and accessibility
🤝 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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