Exploring map-based interactions for co-located collaborative work by multiple mobile users

Map-based application is one of the most popular applications using a built-in GPS receiver. Users often use applications based on geographic information in situations where they share the same information needs with friends or families and conduct some tasks together. However, it is difficult to communicate geographic information with each other because existing map-based applications are basically designed for solitary work. In this paper, to support collaborative work using map-based applications, we explore important factors for collaborative use of map interface. We conducted a user experiment using a map-based application implemented with some functions for supporting collaborative work. The result shows that it is important to i) enable users to share information among multiple devices and view it individually on their own displays when they use a map together, and ii) synchronize users' displays and map operations when they communicate geographic information with each other.