Bangalore: Nokia, the Finnish mobile manufacturer who was recently dropped out of top 5 Smartphone makers in the world is taking a big gamble on its new rebranded mapping service “Here,” which is proclaimed to be the “"the first location cloud to deliver the world's best maps and location experiences across multiple screens and operating systems."

‘Here’ will be a cross platform service available on Windows Phone, iOS and eventually on Android. Nokia is putting together its 20 years of expertise in mapping and is in process of buying Earthmine, a California based 3D mapping firm. Nokia had earlier launched City Lens, an augmented reality based app. The LiveSight feature used in this app will be coupled with 3D technology to provide users a unique mapping experience.

The new mapping service will directly compete with Apple’s iOS map service. Its iOS version will offer features like offline capabilities, voice-guided walk navigation, and public transportation directions. However, the Android version will not be made by Nokia. The company in early 2013 will release its SDK for Android, allowing the developers to work their magic on the location services.

Nokia is taking careful steps to avoid catastrophes like the one created during release of Apple iOS maps and the Finnish manufacturer, according to many, is eyeing at the large advertising opportunities in the location-aware mapping services.