MoleMap was originally formed in 1997 by a group of New Zealand dermatologists to provide a cost effective melanoma screening program using the latest in imaging technology combined with the expertise of dermatologists. The founders of MoleMap developed the company after observing that, despite continuing educational programs promoting sun protection, the number of deaths from melanoma each year was dramatically increasing. They recognized that melanomas were not always being discovered in routine skin checks because the doctors carrying out these checks did not always have the technology or skills to recognize melanomas, particularly at its early stage.