Mobile social media platform Foursquare has introduced a new mapping feature that lets users track check-ins in their own backyard and around the globe.

Mapping out mobile

Foursquare's new black and white interactive maps lets users enter any location to see a visual representation of the 500 million check-ins Foursquare has logged over the past three months.

The maps give a new way of looking at major urban centres (for example Moscow looks like a spider), while the lack of colour makes the check-ins resemble a galaxy of stars.

Looking up Australia the east coast – especially Melbourne and Sydney – are far more heavily represented than the centre and west coast.

Making it personal

Aside from looking pretty, the new maps show how Foursquare is looking to personalise its data for users.

For example, if Foursquare sees that there's a correlation between a cinema and a nearby restaurant, it will use this data to recommend that restaurant to someone leaving the theatre.

Reaching out

With Facebook upping its mobile offering and Yelp gaining ground, the mobile review space is getting more crowded and competitive.

By rolling out interactive maps Foursquare is hinting that personalised, and pretty, features may be the way to hold onto increasingly discerning users.

Check out SMK’s upcoming industry leading training courses in: Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Canberra, Auckland, Adelaide and Wellington.

Also, browse through hundreds of online social media video tutorials on eSMK Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and more!!