Learn about FELT, a unique mapping tool that allows users to upload any type of data without specifying the format. Explore the features of Felt, such as the 'upload anything' button and real-time spatial collaboration. Discover the world of GPS art and how Felt enables users to create traced routes. Gain insights into the company's hiring and monetization plans, and their vision of encouraging map creation.
FELT is a browser-based mapping tool that allows users to upload any type of file and automatically processes and displays it, making map creation accessible to all.
FELT prioritizes user experience, aiming to be the 'Google Sheets for Maps' by providing an intuitive and enjoyable interface for map creation and sharing.
Deep dives
FELT: A Browser-based Mapping Tool
FELT is introduced as a browser-based mapping tool that sets itself apart with an 'upload anything' button, allowing users to upload any type of file without having to worry about data format, coordinate systems, or transformations. The tool uses a pipeline with machine learning capabilities to automatically process and display various file types, such as shapefiles, geoJSON, spreadsheets, URLs, and more. FELT also boasts real-time collaboration features, enabling multiple users to work on a map simultaneously and facilitating data sharing and collaboration among team members. The tool is positioned to serve three main audiences: GIS professionals seeking easier map sharing and collaboration, individuals needing to create maps without prior GIS experience, and consumers looking for a user-friendly platform for personal map projects. FELT plans to monetize its offering through tiered pricing, while maintaining a free tier for consumers and an affordable tier for beginners.
The Vision for FELT: Fun and Playful Mapping Software
Sam Ashimi, the CEO and co-founder of FELT, shares the inspiration behind the creation of the software. Drawing on his experience as a product designer, he saw a need for an online mapping tool that is modern, fun, playful, and delightful to use. Similar to Google Sheets, which made spreadsheets enjoyable, and Figma, which transformed design, FELT aims to make mapping accessible and enjoyable for users. The tool aspires to be the 'Google Sheets for Maps,' providing a user-friendly interface for creating and sharing maps effortlessly. Ashimi emphasizes the importance of creating software that is intuitive, joyful, and focused on the task at hand, enhancing the overall user experience in the mapping space.
Powerful Features and Automation in FELT
FELT is praised for its powerful features and automation capabilities. The 'upload anything' button simplifies the process of opening different data files, regardless of format or projection. FELT's machine learning algorithms automatically detect spatial data within spreadsheets and geocode them accordingly. The software's back-end pipeline combines various third-party services to handle geocoding, routing, and tiling to ensure fast display of data, even with large files. Real-time collaboration, a sought-after feature, enables simultaneous editing and commenting on maps, making it an ideal tool for teams, journalists, and even consumers planning events or projects. Furthermore, FELT is focused on continuous improvement and fast software development, demonstrated through their regular updates and constant efforts to showcase the full potential of the software.
Targeting Various User Groups with FELT
FELT caters to diverse user groups, including GIS professionals, individuals with functional map needs, and consumers engaging in personal map projects. For GIS professionals, FELT complements existing software and facilitates map sharing, collaboration, and real-time feedback with team members. Beginners or individuals in need of maps for specific purposes, like farm management or archaeology, find FELT to be a user-friendly and accessible tool. Additionally, casual users planning hikes, students studying history, or even teachers can benefit from FELT's consumer-grade features, replacing tools like Google My Maps. The company envisions a future in which more maps are created and shared using FELT, and they strive to inspire users to explore the possibilities of map creation and visualization.
felt.com is a browser-based mapping tool and its also a reminder that just because we have always done web mapping one way it doesn’t mean it always has to be done that way.
For example, Felt lets you upload anything! That's a bold promise, you can upload anything you want and we will figure it out on the back end.
Felt is also the first and only flagship sustaining member of the QGIS project, they are supporting the development of an open-source tiling engine, called Tippecanoe.
They also support protomaps and the development of PMtiles as well as contributing code to Maplibre and Gdal
... But that is not why you should listen to this episode … you should listen to this episode because if we are going to grow the geo pie we need more upload anything buttons