A Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation for the Development of the "MacauMap" Software Application was signed today between the Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) and the University of Macau (UM) in Room L105 of the University. This signing marks the release of "MacauMap" (version 1.0) which is the first tour guiding tool in PalmOS platform in Macau for free use by tourists and residents alike.

The Memorandum was signed by Eng. João Manuel Costa Antunes, MGTO Director and Professor Iu Vai Pan, Rector of University of Macau.

As defined by the Memorandum, the University first will undertake the development of the "MacauMap" version 1.0 in both PalmOS and Pocket PC platform. Version 2.0 of "MacauMap", also in PalmOS and Pocket PC platform, will be developed later and will feature guides for spots of interest, restaurants and hotels. Information on the "MacauMap" program will be updated periodically.

"MacauMap" lays outs 1180 streets and coastal outlines of the entire Macau SAR. It also presents 79 places of interest, 40 bus routes and 324 bus stops. The application is supported by the Global Positioning System (GPS), with which users' locations can be easily defined. It provides the convenience of enlarging and shrinking of the map. After input of street names, users can easily search through and find what they want. Chinese, English and Portuguese are the three language options. Given that "MacauMap" runs on a PDA, a small handheld widely used computer, the application is suitable for use in PalmOS or Pocket PC. Further details on "MacauMap" can be found at www.macautourism.gov.mo.

Research and design of "MacauMap" 1.0 was initiated in October 2001 by a group of students and a teacher from the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University and completed in June 2002. It was first showcased to the public in Macao during the Faculty's Final Projects Exhibition in July 2002. During Macau IT Week 2002, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, the Chief Executive of the Macau Special Administrative Region, gave high praise to the software after his trial of "MacauMap" 1.0.

Geographic information of Macau was provided by the Mapping and Land Registry Bureau of Macau SAR, while information on the bus network was by the Lands, Public Works & Transport Bureau of Macau SAR.