WO2008089515A1

WO2008089515A1 - Strip map and marketing method

Info

Publication number: WO2008089515A1
Application number: PCT/AU2008/000080
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christopher Alan Rundle
Original assignee: Christopher Alan Rundle
Priority date: 2007-01-23
Filing date: 2008-01-23
Publication date: 2008-07-31
Also published as: AU2008209314A1

Abstract

The invention provides a strip map comprising geographic information of a strip of land comprising the relative location of a plurality of population centres and tourist information arranged proximal to at least one of the plurality of population centres such that a viewer is readily able to associate the tourist information with the population centre shown proximal on the strip map.

Description

TITLE STRIP MAP AND MARKETING METHOD

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a strip map and a marketing method. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a map for displaying tourist information and a marketing method for marketing tourist information.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

There are numerous types of maps that aim to optimise display so that essential information is readily apparent to a viewer.

One particular type of map is a strip map. Conventional strip maps merely show the population centres, such as cities and towns, that lie between two geographic points. For example, the conventional strip map shown in FIG. 1 merely lists cites, towns, natural attractions such as reserves and observatories, and their relative locations between Ceduna and Norseman. Conventional strip maps only show the relative positions of towns, cities and natural attractions.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to overcome and alleviate one or more of the above disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

Further objects will be evident from the following description.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention generally relates to determining which places of interest and amenities are located within or close to population centres along a strip of land.

In a first form, although it need not be the only, or indeed the broadest form, the invention resides in a strip map comprising: geographic information of a strip of land comprising the relative location of a plurality of population centres; and tourist information arranged proximal to at least one of the plurality of population centres; such that a viewer is readily able to associate the tourist information with the population centre shown proximal on the strip map.

In a second form the invention resides in a strip map comprising a road or highway passing through a plurality of towns or population centres which may include tourist information concerning local sites of interest characterized in that there is additionally provided information relating to vendors of goods and/or services located in or adjacent to one or more of said towns or population centres whereby there is provided only one of such vendors of a specific type adjacent said one or more towns or population centres.

In a third form the invention resides in a kit comprising the strip map of the first form and a reward card.

The reward card is suitable for storing one or more points associated with purchase of goods and/or services provided by vendors identified in the tourist information and the one or more points may be used to obtain goods and/or services and/or a discount on goods and/or services. In a fourth form the invention resides in a method of making a strip map including the steps of: displaying geographic information of a strip of land comprising the relative location of a plurality of population centres on a strip map; and displaying tourist information proximal to at least one of the plurality of population centres; such that a viewer is readily able to associate the tourist information with the population centre shown proximal on the strip map.

In a fifth form the invention resides in a method of marketing including the steps of:

(i) contacting vendors of goods and/or services along a strip of land; (ii) ascertaining if said vendors would be interested in being included in a strip map; and (iii) producing the strip map having regard to the input of the vendors in step (ii).

In one aspect of the fifth form the invention may include the step of: (iv) making the strip map available to the public. In another aspect of the fifth form the vendors may be contacted electronically. Contacting vendors includes both the situation in which the vendors initiate the contact and the situation in which the vendors are approached.

In a sixth form the invention resides in a computer program product said computer program product comprising: a computer usable medium and computer readable program code embodied on said computer usable medium for displaying a strip map, the computer readable code comprising: a computer readable program code device (i) configured to cause the computer to display geographic information of a strip of land comprising the relative location of a plurality of population centres; and a computer readable program code device (ii) configured to cause the computer to display tourist information proximal to at least one of the plurality of population centres. In one aspect of the sixth form the computer program product may further comprise a computer readable program code device (iii) configured to receive geographic information and tourist information and to geographically associate the received geographic information and tourist information based on location. In a seventh form the invention resides in a method in a computer system for making a strip map including the steps of: providing geographic information of a strip of land comprising the relative location of a plurality of population centres; and providing tourist information proximal to at least one of the plurality of population centres; and displaying the geographic information and tourist information such that a viewer is readily able to associate the tourist information with the population centre shown proximal on the strip map.

In one aspect of the seventh form the method includes the step of associating tourist information concerning one of the plurality of population centres with that population centre.

In one aspect of any of the above forms the strip map may further comprise a road or highway passing through the plurality of population centres.

In another aspect of any of the above forms the tourist information may comprise accommodation information, consumer information and/or entertainment information.

In yet another aspect of any of the above forms the tourist information may comprise street address information and/or contact information.

In still another aspect according any of the above forms the tourist information may comprise information on a plurality of types of accommodation.

In yet another aspect of any of the above forms the tourist information may comprise only one provider of each type of the plurality of types of accommodation.

In still another aspect of any of the above forms the strip map may be comprised in digital and/or electronic form.

In another aspect of any of the above forms the strip map may be made available to a user or tourist by offer for sale or may be provided to a viewer by offer for sale.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

In this specification, the terms "comprises", "comprising" or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method, system or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS To assist in understanding the invention and to enable the invention to be put into practical effect preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like reference numbers refer to like elements and wherein: FIG. 1 shows a prior art strip map; FIG. 2 is a strip map according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a flow-chart illustrating the steps according to one embodiment of the method of the invention; and

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the steps according to another embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Broadly the invention relates to a strip map and method of marketing using a strip map.

When driving through unfamiliar cites and towns it is difficult to find tourist information such as, places to stay and attractions to visit. This difficulty is made worse by the huge array of options available at some locations and by feelings of unease and anxiety that many people experience when in unfamiliar surroundings. The present invention overcomes these problems by arranging tourist information in an easily digestible format so that a viewer of the strip map can readily find appropriate tourist information for a location listed on the strip map.

In this specification the term "tourist information" is used broadly to refer to information that a person not intimately familiar with a certain geographic area may wish to know. Such information includes, but is not limited to, all amenities such as, tourist attractions and businesses catering predominately to tourists for example, a hotel, a caravan park and the like, but also includes information on businesses that visitors to an area may wish to locate for example, a supermarket, a medical centre, a pharmacy, a liquor store and the like. The tourist information may include contact information such as a telephone number, a website address and/or an e-mail address.

The invention will be described with reference to FIG. 2 which shows strip map 100 to include a plurality of population centres 110-119 arranged to show their relative locations. In addition to population centres 110-119, strip map 100 includes tourist information 120-129. The tourist information 120-129 is located proximal to the respective population centre 110-119 at which it is available. For example, to readily communicate to a viewer that in Roma, population centre 110, there is a hotel called the "International Hotel" tourist information 120 for the "International Hotel", comprises the details of street address, telephone number and website address. Further, tourist information 120 is located proximal to Roma, population centre 110, on strip map 100.

By locating tourist information 120-129 proximal to population center 110-119 a viewer is readily able to identify services and products available in a population centre 110-119 that they may be visiting. Being readily able to identify this information is of great benefit to a viewer who may be driving through unfamiliar surroundings and has a desire to locate for example, a hotel. In this manner the viewer can use the details provided in tourist information to for example, telephone and arrange a reservation.

While the details of tourist information 120 are shown to include street address, telephone number and website address these details are not shown explicitly in tourist information 121-129. Although these details are omitted on FIG. 2 it is to be understood that tourist information 121-129 can also include such details.

Each population centre 110-119 may have more than one piece of tourist information 120-129 located proximal to it. For example Charters Towers, population centre 115, is shown to have three pieces of tourist information 124, 125, 126. All three pieces of tourist information 124, 125, 126 are directed to different types of accommodation information. Tourist information 124 shows the details of a two star hotel, while tourist information 125 shows the details of a five star hotel and tourist information 126 shows the details of a caravan park.

To make it easy for a viewer to locate a desired type of accommodation only one provider of each type of accommodation may be included at any one population centre 110-119 on strip map 100. Another reason to include only one provider of each type of accommodation at each population centre 110-119 is to give that provider exclusive advertising on strip map 100. The types of accommodation information is not limited to hotels of different star ratings and caravan parks but also includes resorts, health spas and bed and breakfasts. Other appropriate accommodation information suitable for inclusion to suit a particular application will be readily apparent. A population centre 110-119 can be any location where there is a resident or working population. Examples of population centres 110-119 are villages, towns, cities and resorts.

When compiling strip map 100 a fee may be charged for placement of each piece of tourist information. The fee may be selected based on size of the piece of tourist information and/or the relative amount of competition in the relative population centre 110-119.

In one embodiment the strip map 100 is sold together with a reward card or smart card that can be used at the sites of the tourist information 120-129. The reward card can be used to obtain a discount or to accrue points that accumulate towards a discount or reward. This is a particularly appealing embodiment because it will further encourage a viewer of strip map 100 to visit the locations shown in tourist information 120-129.

As mentioned above, tourist information 120-129 may be accommodation information. Other types of tourist information 120-129 include consumer information and/or entertainment information.

Examples of consumer information are restaurant 121 , supermarket 128 and medical centre 129. Other non-limiting examples of consumer information are a service station, a convenience store, a pharmacy, a health spa, a winery and/or a bar. Other suitable types of consumer information will be readily apparent.

Examples of entertainment information are tourist attraction 123 and night club 127. A tourist attraction can be for example, a theme park, a natural park and/or another type of natural attraction such as a mountain, river and/or lake. Examples of other types of entertainment information are a movie theatre, a live-entertainment venue, a casino, a gaming venue and/or a golf course. Other suitable types of entertainment information will be readily apparent.

Similarly to as described above with respect to different types of accommodation information, only one provider of each type of consumer information and/or entertainment information may be included at each population centre 110-119.

As mentioned above tourist information 120-129 can include details such as address, contact phone number and/or a website. Other details can be included as well such as, star-rating of the accommodation service, discounts, special offers and/or specialities provided. An example of a speciality provided is that a restaurant may have a speciality in seafood and this information can be communicated to the viewer in tourist information

120-129. Other suitable appropriate details for the tourist information 120- 129 will be readily apparent.

Strip map 100 can also show the distance between each population centre 120-129 with numerals.

Preferably, strip map 100 is to scale.

Strip map 100 can be provided to a viewer by any suitable means. Examples include offer for sale in a service station, a book store, a map store, a hotel, an information booth, a tourist site and/or offer for sale through a website.

The map can also include one or more banner advertisements around the outside border of the strip map 100. The one or more banner advertisements can be colour-coded to comprise a same colour that the population centre 110-119 which the banner advertisement relates to is shown in on strip map 100. For example, if a banner advertisement relates to a tourist attraction in Townsville, population centre 116, which is shown in red on strip map 100 that banner advertisement will also comprise the colour red. By colour-coding the banner ads in this manner a viewer is readily able to associate the advertisement with the town in which the service and/or product associated with the advertisement is available.

In another embodiment the banner advertisements are not colour coded to a population centre 110-119.

Strip map 100 may be made of paper and may be either laminated or non-laminated. Strip map 100 may also be made of cardboard.

In another embodiment strip map 100 is provided electronically and/or digitally. A viewer can view the electronic strip map 100 on a personal or portable computer, a mobile phone and/or an in-car display. Suitable in-car displays include a navigation system.

The electronic and/or digital strip map 100 can be sold on a physical medium such as a floppy disk or CD or it can be downloaded from the internet. FIG. 3 shows marketing method 200. In step 252 geographic information, including population centres 110-119, is displayed on a strip map 100. In step 254 tourist information 120-129 is displayed on the strip map 100. In step 256 strip map 100 is provided to a viewer such as a tourist. FIG. 4 shows another marketing method 300 according to the invention.

In step 362 one or more vendor in one or more population centre in a strip of land is selected. In step 364 strip map 100 is produced. Strip map 100 comprises geographic information of the strip of land including the relative location of the one or more population centres 110-119 and tourist information 120-129 relating to the vendor arranged proximal to the one or more population centre at which the vendor is located.

In step 366 the strip map 100 is made available to a user and/or tourist. Method 360 provides an effective means for businesses to advertise their products and/or services to tourists. As mentioned above people often feel uneasy when navigating unknown places and find it difficult to find a required product and/or service. If a business advertises their product and/or service in tourist information 120-129 on strip map 100 a tourist is highly likely to make use of that product and/or service.

Additionally, by providing the relative location of a plurality of population centres the invention allows a user to readily change their plans. For example, a user may have intended to stay in Townsville 116 but may change their mind and by looking at strip map 100 and the tourist information 120-129 they can readily choose an alternative destination within a suitable distance and offering appropriate amenities. Reasons for changing their mind include wanting to travel further and/or particular amenities not being available in a population centre. In one aspect of either method 250 or method 360 the tourist information 120-129 may be submitted to an administrator of the method electronically. The submission may be made bye-mail or through a web-site.

Advantageously, strip map 100 and method 250, 360 provide a means to overcome the feelings of unease and anxiety that many people experience when in unfamiliar surroundings.

A further advantage is that strip map 100 and method 250, 360 provide an effective means for vendors to advertise their services. The strip map 100 and method 250, 360 allow a viewer to easily associate a particular piece of tourist information 120-129 with a population centre 110-119. Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the preferred embodiments of the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. It will therefore be appreciated by those of skill in the art that, in light of the instant disclosure, various modifications and changes can be made in the particular embodiments exemplified without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A strip map comprising: geographic information of a strip of land comprising the relative location of a plurality of population centres; and tourist information arranged proximal to at least one of the plurality of population centres; such that a viewer is readily able to associate the tourist information with the population centre shown proximal on the strip map.

2. The strip map of claim 1 further comprising a road or highway passing through the plurality of population centres.

3. The strip map of claim 1 wherein the tourist information comprises accommodation information, consumer information and/or entertainment information.

4. The strip map of claim 1 wherein the tourist information comprises street address information and contact information.

5. The strip map of claim 1 wherein the tourist information comprises information on a plurality of types of accommodation.

6. The strip map of claim 5 comprising only one provider of each type of the plurality of types of accommodation.

7. A kit comprising the strip map of claim 1 and a reward card.

8. The kit of claim 7 wherein the reward card is suitable for storing one or more points associated with purchase of goods and/or services provided by vendors identified in the tourist information and the one or more points may be used to obtain goods and/or services and/or a discount on goods and/or services.

9. The strip map of claim 1 wherein the strip map is in digital and/or electronic form.

10. A method of making a strip map including the steps of: displaying geographic information of a strip of land comprising the relative location of a plurality of population centres on a strip map; and displaying tourist information proximal to at least one of the plurality of population centres; such that a viewer is readily able to associate the tourist information with the population centre shown proximal on the strip map.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein a plurality of types of accommodation are displayed.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein only one provider of each type of the plurality of types of accommodation is displayed.

13. A method of marketing including the steps of:

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the strip map produced comprises information on a plurality of types of accommodation.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the strip map produced comprises only one provider of each type of the plurality of types of accommodation.

16. The method of claim 13 further including the step of: (iv) making the strip map available to the public.

17. The method of claim 13 wherein the vendors are contacted electronically.

18. A computer program product said computer program product comprising: a computer usable medium and computer readable program code embodied on said computer usable medium for displaying a strip map, the computer readable code comprising: a computer readable program code device (i) configured to cause the computer to display geographic information of a strip of land comprising the relative location of a plurality of population centres; and a computer readable program code device (ii) configured to cause the computer to display tourist information proximal to at least one of the plurality of population centres.

19. The computer program product of claim 18 wherein the tourist information comprises information on a plurality of types of accommodation.

20. The computer program product of claim 19 wherein the tourist information comprises only one provider of each type of the plurality of types of accommodation.

21. A method in a computer system for making a strip map including the steps of: providing geographic information of a strip of land comprising the relative location of a plurality of population centres; and providing tourist information proximal to at least one of the plurality of population centres; and displaying the geographic information and tourist information such that a viewer is readily able to associate the tourist information with the population centre shown proximal on the strip map.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein the tourist information comprises information on a plurality of types of accommodation.

23. The method of claim 22 wherein the tourist information comprises only one provider of each type of the plurality of types of accommodation.

24. A strip map comprising a road or highway passing through a plurality of towns or population centres and tourist information concerning local sites of interest characterized in that there is additionally provided information relating to vendors of goods and/or services located in or adjacent to one or more of said towns or population centres whereby there is provided only one of such vendors of a specific type adjacent said one or more towns or population centres.