The continuous technological improvement of digital mapping in the service economy has fundamentally altered mapmaking and its usage mechanisms. These changes have challenged the established modes of developing map-related products and services and this phenomenon appears to be increasing. While the established mapping industry has been substantially disrupted by service innovations, the latter phenomenon requires new theoretical and empirical understandings of how digital mapping is being implemented in the emerging service economy.

This dissertation develops theoretical knowledge that outlines the value system for a digital mapping service and its implementation in light of cartographic and service system theories. It further underlines service design as potentially providing meaningful tools with human-centred approaches and systemic orientations which can help realise digital mapping service opportunities. The main body of the research consists of four case studies and collaborative project with Transport for London. These identified four types of service system, which also demonstrate the challenges and opportunities in developing a mapping service in each case, furthermore their relational interaction. This study also attempts to assist participants in the service (eco)system in mapping to co-create the value through the sharing of resources, thereby maximising the value of the technology and resources
generated.

This thesis extends the theoretical understanding of digital maps from a service system perspective and advocates service design as providing methods to assist its implementation while also providing a framework that not only enables participation in mapping service systems but assists practitioners to re-design service (eco)systems through collaboration approaches and value co-creation.