Press Release 09/06/10 :
Contact: Elliott Olson
800.465.4505 ext 204
Dakota Worldwide Corporation Communications
800.465.4505
Visit Dakota Worldwide Website: www.Dakotaww.com/Press_Release.shtml
Dakota Worldwide links Locus™ Professional with Google Maps bringing the full array of
maps and aerials to a gravity model..
MINNEAPOLIS (September 2010) - Dakota Worldwide Corporation has successfully completed
its trial runs of the new Locus™ ProView which links Google Maps to their gravity model.
Trade areas can now be displayed from Google Map's map, satellite, hybrid, and terrain views.
It is also interactive in adding new placemarks such as retail store locations and other
important features.
These enhancements add new levels to understanding the marketplace and can be viewed by
any non Locus user by a simple file transfer. Placemarks (facility map keys) can be positioned
precisely on a facility using the satellite view with corresponding longitude/latitude values
placed into the Locus™ ProView Facilities tab.
"More apps and display features will be added, but as word leaked out of our testing, some
current users of Locus Professional were calling to get this new version out as quickly as
possible." says Elliott Olson, CEO of Dakota Worldwide. "We wanted to quickly get this in
the hands of the market analysts across the country as it adds value and cuts cost. While
we have continually enhanced Locus since its creation in 1975 and added the ability to segment
the market four years ago using lifestyle data, the ability to interface with Google Maps has
caused the most buzz. It has also been well received by our foreign clients who do not have
the range of maps available to them".
Olson credits the Dakota market analysts and clients for their inspiring ideas as the Locus
program has advanced over the years. Carol Murphy, the system czar since 1998, has been the
most innovative and creative force behind gravity modeling since Locus was developed.
Starting September 6th, the Locus™ ProView download will be available on Dakota Worldwide's
website. It's a free download for all current users. Check the website monthly for new
download updates. Elliott Olson commented that all users will receive via e- mail the week
of September 6th, a zip file containing Locus™ ProView, a "Quick Guide" covering all the new
program enhancements, and a sample map temp file to view outside of Locus.
Dakota Worldwide Corporation is a marketing research consulting group comprised of
professionals who have spent their careers in the areas of marketing, retail operations,
research, training, management, strategic planning, and site location. Many of the key
members of the corporation, both management and consultants, have worked closely together
as a group for many years. Elliott Olson, the Chairman of Dakota Worldwide, originally
founded Retail Systems in 1975.