New Reference Solution to make Map-Enabled Driver Assistance Possible on all Vehicles

PARIS, Oct. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- NAVTEQ, a leading global provider of digital map data for location-based solutions and vehicle navigation, announces the development of a new Map and Positioning Engine (MPE) strategy. With this development, map-enhanced Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) can be available to all vehicles, even in cars without an installed navigation system or navigable map. Behind this strategy is NAVTEQ's new MPE reference solution, which accelerates the development of ADAS applications embedded directly in a vehicle's electronic control unit, often referred to as the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus, or electronic sensor.

NAVTEQ's reference solution is powered by the NAVTEQ MPE(TM) map, a sub-set of the NAVTEQ map which contains ADAS geometry and precise ADAS attributes. Because the NAVTEQ MPE(TM) map is lower in cost and smaller in file size, it allows for broader vehicle adoption of map-enhanced ADAS applications.

To accelerate the development of ADAS applications, NAVTEQ's reference solution provides a recommended MPE specification. This specification outlines optimal deployment of the GPS, microprocessor, memory and all required software including map-matching, ADAS Interface Specification and CAN bus interfaces, as well as the NAVTEQ Electronic Horizon(TM). NAVTEQ's patented Electronic Horizon algorithms, essential to predictive road information for ADAS, search for and interpret attributes on the road ahead.

This powerful, cost-effective MPE design for map-enhanced ADAS is small enough to be implemented on a credit card-sized circuit board or distributed in the electronics architecture of the vehicle. In addition, unlike traditional ADAS solutions, the application is always on and does not need a stored navigation route.

"The map and positioning engine reference solution is a fundamentally new way to think about digital maps and GPS positioning in the vehicle electronics architecture," offered Bob Denaro, NAVTEQ vice president of ADAS. "When it comes to safety and fuel economy, the industry needs a solution that brings the value of digital maps and vehicle positioning to all vehicles. The MPE is the ideal solution for these advanced vehicle performance features."

NAVTEQ market research indicates that interest in map enhancement of ADAS applications is strong among vehicle owners. With a map and positioning engine resident in a small module on the CAN bus interface, application developers can provide these critical applications independent of the vehicle's installed navigation system.

"The NAVTEQ MPE map provides our customers with new options for integrating map-enhanced ADAS into the vehicle," stated Jeff Mize, NAVTEQ executive vice president of sales. "Furthermore, our marketing relationships with the semi-conductor manufacturers and development communities foster an eco-system that nurtures rapid deployment of these applications."

The MPE map augments NAVTEQ's continued support of ADAS by now addressing vehicles that do not have installed navigation systems. In addition to providing quality map data, NAVTEQ has an experienced technical and customer support staff. The ADAS research team assists customers in optimizing the Electronic Horizon algorithms with NAVTEQ maps, enabling cost-efficient use of customer resources and reduction in the development time cycle.

About NAVTEQ

NAVTEQ is a leading provider of comprehensive digital map information for automotive navigation systems, mobile navigation devices, Internet-based mapping applications, and government and business solutions. 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 more than 3,800 employees located in 194 offices and in 42 countries.

NAVTEQ, NAVTEQ Electronic Horizon and NAVTEQ MPE are trademarks in the U.S. and other countries. All rights reserved.

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