User-generated content is emerging as an increasingly critical component of location-based services and navigation tools, according to a new report issued by market research firm ABI Research. According to ABI, professional content like map updates and points of interest will remain the bread and butter of location-aware services, but in recent months LBS firms have embraced UGC to update existing content and create new features, with many of these initiatives embedded within the context of real-time mobile social networking. ABI points to TomTom's recent announcement that one million map improvements have been suggested by users via the company's Map Share technology as well as start-up GyPSii's new mobile social networking application enabling users to create and share location-based content via mobile device. "As connected PNDs, handset-based pedestrian navigation, and location-based services begin to emerge, user-generated location content will become a key component that permits companies to enhance their services with real-time information in a cost-effective way that strengthens their communities and brand names," said ABI Research principal analyst Dominique Bonte in a prepared statement. "Initiatives like GyPSii may ultimately reach a status comparable with existing social networking sites, such as Facebook and MySpace." For more on the ABI report: - read this release Related articles: LBS helps you find your way Nokia adds GyPSii's LBS app to Symbian handsets