NAVTEQ Middle Eastern & North African Map & Location Data Supports New NAVIGON Personal Navigators

NAVTEQ, the leading global provider of maps, traffic and location data enabling navigation, location-based services and mobile advertising around the world is supplying NAVIGON with map data for nine Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries and also a range of innovative content for its launch in the region of a new range of personal navigation devices (PNDs).

With a commanding local presence across the region, NAVTEQ understands the importance of incorporating country specific nuances and details into its maps which are crucial for precise navigation. In Jordan for example, the commonly used 1st to 8th Circle names for the central jabal junctions have been retained but NAVTEQ has also added the alternative official names where they are available. Significant changes have also been recently made to accommodate Saudi Arabia’s evolving address system. As people here tend to use Points of Interest (POIs) rather than addresses to select a destination in a navigation system, NAVTEQ has increased the number of these familiar markers to nearly 380,000.

In addition to Jordan and Saudi Arabia, countries offered with the NAVIGON PNDs include Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, UAE and Egypt. NAVTEQ accelerated its map building programme in Egypt following the lifting of the government ban on GPS mobile phones and navigation systems and now offers coverage of the country’s entire road network of around 75,000 kilometres.

“With top quality NAVTEQ maps on board, our devices offer an extensive POI database and guide drivers like a local,” commented Stephan Balte, NAVIGON Country Manager MEA. “When we developed our new products, we also took local requirements into consideration in order to provide navigation solutions that are customised to the challenges drivers face in the region.”

Impressive features
Amongst the many excellent functions, several based on NAVTEQ content, users will find:
Active Lane Assistant: to guide drivers into the correct lane at complex junctions using voice and visual cues.
NAVIGON Last Mile and pedestrian navigation: includes ‘on foot’ details such as walkways, bridges, tunnels, road crossing and steps.
Speed Assistant: audi-visual warnings on speed limits and upcoming potential hazards such as sharp bends or steep hills.
Reality View Pro: 3D visuals designed to improve orientation in unfamiliar surroundings and including 3D City Models and 3D Landmarks showing prominent structures such as monuments and key buildings.

In addition, the new devices also feature NAVIGON MyRoutes which analyses driving habits and offers up to three alternative routes; Clever Parking to find the best available options; Bluetooth for handsfree phone calls via the navigation system. Regional features include a Mecca-Finder providing prayer times based on the users position; Desert Navigation for off-road driving; plus a high quality Arabic interface and voice guidance.

“The launch of these new PNDs in the region is the result of close co-operation between NAVIGON and NAVTEQ and a demonstration of both companies’ commitment to this region,” added Ghassan Freij, NAVTEQ General Manager MENA. “Our rapidly expanding presence throughout MENA enabled us to provide NAVIGON with high quality navigable maps and content as well as effective local business support to help identify and respond to new opportunities.”