The work involved in mapping the roads of the world for the latest TomTom satnav systems is a dull, laborious task. Countless hours are spent driving around in specially equipped mapping car to ensure that users do not get lost on the way home. Such is the tedium involved that TomTom is looking to outsource the work to the general public - it comes with a bit of a sweetener though!
Five families - or groups of friends - are being sought to spend two weeks on an island to map the roads for TomTom. The islands in question are Fiji, St. Lucia, Mauritius, Cape Verde and the Seychelles. As part of the Map Paradise Project each group will not only be sent on an all-expenses-paid mapping assignment but will also earn €10,000 while doing so.
Those selected for the Map Paradise Project will simply need to drive around the island in a specially equipped mapping car. This mapping field work will take anything from a day to two weeks depending on how much time is spent sunbathing, swimming or exploring.
"The very first step in creating an accurate map is proper field work, and that is where the Map Paradise Project comes in," said Corinne Vigreux, managing director, TomTom. "This project will not only create five new navigable maps, it will also give people a unique insight into how our maps are made. And where better to start mapping, then on a beautiful paradise island."
Applicants simply need to fill out a form at www.tomtom.com/summer telling TomTom why they are the perfect group to map paradise. At least one from the group must be able to drive. Five people are able to take part in each project.
The competition is open to residents in the UK, US, Canada, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Finland, Denmark, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Ireland and South Africa.