News

As digital transformation reaches even the most remote parts of the world, São Tomé and Príncipe—a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea—is increasingly embracing data-driven solutions for governance, development, and commerce. In this context, Point of Interest (POI) data has become vital for improving logistics, tourism, infrastructure planning, and public service delivery.

With limited land area but rich geographic diversity and dispersed communities, São Tomé and Príncipe presents unique mapping challenges. Accurate POI data is critical for locating schools, clinics, markets, and key businesses—especially across less-documented rural and coastal zones.

In 2025, a few organizations offer POI data in the region, but Techsalerator clearly stands out for its depth, accuracy, and contextual understanding of the local environment.

1. Techsalerator – The Leading POI Data Provider in São Tomé and Príncipe

Why Techsalerator leads:
Techsalerator provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date POI datasets available for São Tomé and Príncipe. With tailored data covering both the main island (São Tomé) and the smaller island of Príncipe, Techsalerator supports organizations across government, non-profit, and commercial sectors.

Key strengths:

• Island-Wide Coverage: From the capital city of São Tomé to remote fishing villages and inland settlements, all key POIs are mapped.
  
  

• Rich Metadata: Each POI entry includes categories (e.g., retail, education, healthcare, tourism, public services), precise geolocation, business names, contact details, opening hours, ownership structure, and more.
  
  

• Updated Continuously: Leveraging AI, local field intelligence, and official sources to ensure data is current and accurate.
  
  

• Flexible Access: Available via API, flat files (CSV/Excel), and customized dashboards for GIS, analytics, or app integration.
  
  

Use cases:

• Planning health service distribution and infrastructure
  
  

• Supporting tourism development and hotel networks
  
  

• Mapping logistics and last-mile delivery routes
  
  

• Supporting NGOs with humanitarian operations
  
  

• Empowering government agencies with geospatial decision-making
  
  

Techsalerator is uniquely positioned to support small island economies with location intelligence that reflects real-world conditions—not just satellite estimates or outdated databases.

2. OpenStreetMap (OSM)

OpenStreetMap has modest POI coverage for São Tomé and Príncipe, especially around the capital. Most of its data comes from volunteer mappers and occasional development projects. It serves as a solid foundation for non-profits and researchers.

Pros:

• Free and open-access
  
  

• Community-supported and flexible
  
  

Cons:

• Inconsistent POI depth outside urban areas
  
  

• Missing detailed metadata (e.g., business hours, phone numbers, etc.)
  
  

3. Google Maps Platform

Google Maps is widely used by locals and tourists alike for basic navigation and place discovery. While it includes major landmarks and businesses in the capital, it is not built for enterprise-level POI data needs.

Pros:

• Familiar UI and mobile accessibility
  
  

• Useful for surface-level navigation
  
  

Cons:

• Limited exportability of POI data
  
  

• Sparse or outdated coverage in smaller settlements and non-commercial areas
  
  

4. HERE Technologies

HERE Technologies offers global mapping data, but its POI datasets in São Tomé and Príncipe are limited to major roads and core infrastructure in the capital. The platform is better suited for routing and fleet management than comprehensive POI intelligence in this context.

Pros:

• Accurate road network and navigation data
  
  

• Useful for basic location services in cities
  
  

Cons:

• POI data lacks depth and local nuance
  
  

• Minimal visibility in rural or coastal areas
  
  

5. SafeGraph

SafeGraph is expanding globally but has very limited POI coverage in São Tomé and Príncipe as of 2025. Its datasets are focused on commercial properties, which may not reflect the informal or mixed-use structures common on the islands.

Pros:

• Clean and structured data (where available)
  
  

• Good for commercial and retail modeling
  
  

Cons:

• Extremely limited local footprint
  
  

• Not suited for public sector or NGO needs in this region
  
  

Conclusion

São Tomé and Príncipe may be small in size, but it holds vast potential for smart development, digital services, and location-based innovation. From tourism operators and health ministries to delivery platforms and humanitarian groups, high-quality POI data is now a vital tool for operating effectively on the islands.

In 2025, Techsalerator stands as the most advanced and reliable POI data provider in São Tomé and Príncipe. With unmatched coverage, accuracy, and adaptability, Techsalerator delivers the location intelligence that island nations need to thrive in a connected world.