Thomas Bros. Moves Into Computer-Generated Maps
Thomas Bros., the venerable map maker that has has helped guide generations of Southern California drivers, will enter the high-tech era today with the release of its first book of fully computer-generated maps.
The new guide for Sacramento is the first product of a three-year effort by Thomas Bros. to develop a system for electronically storing and updating the millions of pieces of information that go into a street map.
The first Los Angeles and Orange counties guide to use the new system will be published in about a year. Warren Wilson, president and chief executive officer of Thomas Bros., said the company hopes to have all of its 24 map books computerized within two years.
The Sacramento guide features a new, brighter cover, and is slightly larger than the traditional guide.
The map pages have a cleaner look, with more color and better graphics, and the text is larger and easier to read.
Wilson said Sacramento is serving as a trial site for the new format because it has the right mix of characteristics and is not an important market for the company, which serves every county in California and several other areas in western states.
Thomas Bros.’ digital mapping system converts geographical information from aerial photographs into millions of bits of information that can be stored and manipulated by a computer. Once the basic data is in the system, it can be augmented or amended easily with a few keystrokes.
Even more important, having a computer database of map information will enable Thomas Bros. to generate special-purpose maps and other information that might be useful to businesses, government agencies, universities or individuals.
As an example, Wilson said the company would be using data collected in the 1990 census and combining it with its map information to produce maps showing the demographic characteristics of areas.
The company has set up a new subsidiary, called Thomas Bros. Information Systems, to develop and market specialized products derived from the master database.
“We will be moving into these ancillary product areas as well as publishing traditional guides,” Wilson said. “We expect the major growth of Thomas Bros. to come from Thomas Bros. Information Systems.”
He said Thomas Bros. has invested $3 million to $4 million thus far in developing the digital mapping system, and added that the company now had the “leading position in the United States in computerized mapping of a book of this quality.”
One of Thomas Bros.’ biggest concerns in launching the new guides is that they will use a new page and grid system that will not correspond to the old system. For customers who count on the Thomas Bros. reference points to find a location, the guide provides a conversion chart, and the company has established a toll-free phone number to respond to any questions.
