Map Merge will of course have a reference system, as all maps do. This is best left to the experts, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it is a combo:

• street address
• GPS reference
• native grid system

I would expect them to be intertwined, where any of the three can be used to refer to the same location. Maps merged. Google and Apple Maps already combine the first two.

One problem with modern map apps and GPS devices is the entry of addresses. They tend to be quite long and take time to type in. The devices are often small and typos occur.

One solution is of course speaking to an AI like Siri or Cortana. I don’t think they are anywhere close to being easier than typing yet. And ultimately, it seems people just prefer typing – they have certainly chosen texting people over phoning them.

So there is an opening for a shorthand/shortcode entry for addresses. I foresee a system modelled on domain names. Just like they are the licence for a shortcode that maps onto (hard to remember) IP addresses, vanity (or custom) street addresses can replace any of the three references above with a short name.

@robskelton can be typed into Google Maps or TomTom, and the app will know where to go because I would have purchased @robskelton for that purpose, and mapped it to where I live. I don’t know how much people or businesses would pay for this, but it could be as big as the domain name system.

I figure there could be different types of @ddresses (pronounced at dresses), because unlike domain names, the location of the person entering the @ddress can be taken into account.

Global, singular – @robskelton works for everyone in the world. Enter it into a Kiev autonomous cab, and it will say the expected journey time is 3 weeks.

Local, singular – @robskelton but only purchased for a state within Australia. I think state level works best, just like personalised car license plates. The system will choose the @robskelton for the state I am enquiring from.

Global, multiple – @macdonalds@ – the trailing @ indicates that I know it has numerous locations, and I want to go to the nearest one.

I mentioned autonomous cabs for a good reason. They will be the second use of self-driving vehicles after delivery drones, both initially in CBDs. When people climb in they will need to articulate where they want to go. I know that I would prefer to type in @macdonalds@ into a console over conversing with an AI.

Utility, monetised. And it can be pseudo-compulsory like the domain name system. When  someone wants their address to be part of the system, they will be asked how they wish to refer to it. Do they want 32SnakeHeights.Daylesford.3460AU, or @BurgerShackAU?