Partner News: Navteq map expands speed limits and launched road side warnings

Date: 14 December 2007

ERTICO Partner’s map content enables improved routing and new navigation feature.

ERTICO – ITS Europe Partner Navteq has announced the expansion of posted speed limits and launch of road side warnings. This new content enables an improved routing and navigation experience by taking into account changing speed limits as well as curves and hills when calculating the route. In addition, the twenty-one different road side warnings such as sharp curve ahead, steep hill or no overtaking ahead can be used to provide a notification to drivers about the static road environment.

"Our consumer research indicates that speed advisory is a top feature that a driver is looking for when purchasing a navigation system," said Bruno Bourguet, Vice President and General Manager, Vehicle Applications. "Consumers are saying that this kind of additional information enhances the satisfaction they have with their navigation system and vehicle overall."

Road side warning information assists drivers' in a dynamic road environment by providing them advance warning of potentially hazardous situations. For example, while traveling along a major thoroughfare, the speed limit may decrease dramatically when approaching a hamlet. Speed limit alerts can not only inform the driver to this change but also advise when the speed returns to a higher limit. In addition, a driver can be informed about an upcoming hill, curve or lane merge.

These same attributes can aid in route optimisation taking into account steep slopes where travel will be slower. "Speed limits and road side warning functionality allows the fleet manager to calculate optimum routes enhancing on-time deliveries," said Eric Fumat, Vice President and General Manager, Enterprise and Government Sales. "What may look like the fastest route on a map may in fact be the longest, if the route spends the majority of the time cutting through mountains."

Extensive coverage
The Navteq Map posted speed limits include 100% of major highways in Western Europe, eighteen Eastern European countries, the United States, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. Also included in the map are select secondary and arterial roads.

Navteq road side warning information includes 21 sign types - including protected overtaking, no overtaking, lane merge, railway crossing, curve warnings, steep hills, winding roads, lateral winds - posted on major highways in most Western European countries.

Navteq is committed to providing extensive coverage and content that enhances navigation and extends its functionality. Future plans include broader coverage in additional countries.

For further information, please visit the Navteq website at www.navteq.com