[hip]

New Product Enhancement Now Available to NAVTEQ Customers Licensing NAVTEQ
Maps of Europe and North America

CHICAGO, June 1 /PRNewswire/ -- NAVTEQ, a leading global provider of
digital map data for in-vehicle navigation, Internet/wireless, business and
government solutions, has enhanced NAVTEQ(TM) maps of North America and Europe
with elevation contours: graphics that appear on navigation systems' map
displays indicating variations in geography along a driver's route.
Elevation contours highlight changes in the elevation and landscape
relevant to a driver's individual route. Being able to note changes in
geographic formations and land configuration helps drivers orient themselves,
particularly when they are traveling along unfamiliar roadways. For example,
drivers traveling to the Courchevel ski area in the French Alps could track
elevation changes and geographic landmarks, bringing another facet of reality
to their navigation experience.
This product enhancement also captures the elevation of landscapes above
mean sea level, in meters or feet, at multiple altitude points. Elevation
contours are available in Geographic Data (GDF) 3.0 and Standard Interchange
Format (SIF+) free of charge to NAVTEQ customers licensing NAVTEQ maps of
Europe and North America.
"The map display represents a critical way consumers interface with their
navigation systems so our customers know this is an important way they can
differentiate their product. Enhancing our maps with additional data layers
like elevation contours is another way we are working to add value for our
customers," says John MacLeod, NAVTEQ's Executive Vice President - Global
Marketing & Strategy.

About NAVTEQ
NAVTEQ is a leading provider of comprehensive digital map information for
automotive navigation systems, mobile navigation devices and Internet-based
mapping applications. NAVTEQ creates the digital maps and map content that
power navigation and location-based services solutions around the world. The
Chicago-based company was founded in 1985 and has approximately 1,400
employees located in over 100 offices in 20 countries.
NAVTEQ is a trademark in the U.S. and other countries.

This document may include certain "forward-looking statements" within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These
forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to our plans,
objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements contained in this
report that are not historical facts as well as statements identified by words
such as "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "plans", "believes", "seeks",
"estimates" or words of similar meaning. These statements are based on our
current beliefs or expectations and are inherently subject to significant
uncertainties and changes in circumstances, many of which are beyond our
control. Actual results may differ materially from these expectations due to
changes in global political, economic, business, competitive, market and
regulatory factors.

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/06-01-2004/0002184727&EDATE=

 

[kiteboy]

Elevation contours highlight changes in the elevation and landscape
relevant to a driver's individual route. Being able to note changes in
geographic formations and land configuration helps drivers orient themselves,
particularly when they are traveling along unfamiliar roadways.

I think this is more marketing spin than an actual innovation.

- exactly why would a driver need to orient themselves based on geographic formations when they have GPS navigation that clearly indicates "You Are Here" on the map display?

- existing GPS technology already tracks 3D positional info, including elevation. Adding the info to the maps themselves isn't terribly useful for cars that generally need to stick to paved roads. It's more useful for offroad and non-automotive applications (cycling, hiking, aircraft, etc.)

- Garmin has had topographical maps for years, abeit not integrated with their city address-routing mapsets.

 

[hip]

You make some valid points Kiteboy...

The only response I can offer is that with all the constant growth out here in the West, there are new sections of highway I travel on this year that weren't available last year. Subsequently, they don't have the roads on the display, only the "breadcrumbs."

I realize the newer maps coming from NavTech for the TSX and others should contain these updated roads, but they can't always keep up.

Also, there are many places in the US, Mexico and Canada that might never be mapped?

And lastly, when traveling into the mountains, I always wondered why car manufacturers don't offer altimeters? I know Subaru used to and true it isn't essential but it is a nice to have. This newer mapping display sort of provides that data.

But you're right, its marketing as I'm sure whoever will offer it can now boast how their system is superior.

 

[Diesel]

If you have to ask me, I think it would be great if the next gen of the Navi can give me traffic info. and quickly find me an alternate way.