The speculation about the rumored iSlate tablet computer from Apple has also uncovered an “iGuide” trademark filing. The observers at Geek.com think that there’s a content service coming for a map-based guide that is based on the acquisition of Placebase technology back in early July. Those at Wired are thinking it might be an alternative name for the rumored tablet.

While this ceaseless speculation about all things Apple involves a lot of guessing, I’m jumping on the speculation bandwagon because there is the possibility for another disruptive mapping interface in the coming year. The move toward enhanced map content to feed a high-resolution display makes good sense as map use and geographic searches become more ubiquitous, and Augmented Reality is right around the corner.

Let’s hope for another contender on the consumer mapping/navigation side. There’s still a long way to go before we have the functionality that we’ve been dreaming of, but any spurring of enhanced and more accurate geospatial content will only speed our dreams along.

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