Kakao Provides Ultra-Precise Bus Location Information for Busan Area on KakaoMap

[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] Kakao announced on the 10th that it will provide ultra-precise bus location information for the Busan area on its map app service, KakaoMap. This is the fifth region to apply the service following Jeju, Ulsan, Chuncheon, and Mokpo, and Kakao plans to enhance user satisfaction with this specialized service unique to KakaoMap.

The ultra-precise bus location information uses the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) to display real-time bus locations on the map. It updates bus location information every second with a precision of 10 cm. Users can also check the bus’s speed according to signal waiting status and road conditions, which is expected to greatly improve convenience for bus passengers.

The usage method is simple. On the KakaoMap main screen, users can turn on the ultra-precise bus feature by pressing the menu bar in the top search bar or the layer button on the right. The ultra-precise bus location information is also provided when searching for bus stops or selecting detailed routes in public transportation navigation. Each bus icon displays the route number, and colors are differentiated by bus type, allowing users to quickly find the desired bus on the map.

Navigation mode is also available. Like actually riding the bus, the map moves according to the real-time location of the selected bus. When a user selects a desired bus on the map, navigation mode is activated. It shows the upcoming stops, speed, and vehicle number, allowing users to check the bus route and information at a glance.

The ultra-precise bus location information is expected to greatly enhance convenience not only for Busan citizens but also for travelers. By viewing real-time bus location, speed, and direction information, unnecessary waiting times are reduced, and transfers and travel become faster. It is especially useful in outlying areas where it is difficult to check bus arrival information.

The ultra-precise bus location information is a collaborative model between Kakao and local governments. In September 2019, Kakao began providing ultra-precise bus location information in Jeju, the first in Korea, through cooperation with Jeju Island. As satisfied users requested expansion of the service area, it was applied to Ulsan, Chuncheon, and Mokpo in May this year. Kakao plans to continue expanding the service to various regions such as Gwangju within the year.

A Kakao representative said, “The ultra-precise bus location information is a specialized feature provided only on KakaoMap and has greatly contributed to increasing user satisfaction. We will continue to update various functions and services considering user convenience.”