Tele Atlas, a leading global provider of digital maps and dynamic content for navigation and location based solutions, announced today a joint venture with Systems and Technology Corporation (S&T) to form Tele Atlas Taiwan Co., Ltd., an independent entity focused on delivering a complete digital map of the territory for portable, Internet, in-car and wireless navigation systems and applications. Tele Atlas Taiwan also unveiled its first mobile mapping van in the Asia Pacific region in the heart of downtown Taipei.
Formed in 1992, S&T is recognized for delivering automatic vehicle location systems that track mobile assets and producing high quality digital maps of Taiwan. The S&T map database includes 100 percent coverage of the area’s street network, covering more than 100,000 kilometers and 95,000 points of interest (POIs).
As part of the agreement, Tele Atlas Taiwan will assume all mapping assets of S&T, including the existing mapping business that produces navigable maps and the data production operation for government and other projects. Tele Atlas Taiwan will also integrate Tele Atlas’ most advanced map updating processes into its operations, including data captured from its newly deployed mobile mapping van. Through its roof-mounted 360 degree cameras and laser sensors, the van quickly and efficiently captures information about a road including lane counts, speed limits, and other data, giving Tele Atlas the information it requires to regularly update its maps. The van also collects images of streets, storefronts, road signs, and complex intersections that can be incorporated in maps to help users more easily find locations.
Taiwan is a worldwide leader in delivering electronics goods, including GPS-related products such as personal navigation devices (PNDs). Mio Technology, part of the MiTAC group, is one of the area’s largest global suppliers of PNDs. A key Tele Atlas partner since 2006, Mio now holds the number three position in worldwide market share.
“Taiwan is an incredibly advanced market, and as the world’s leading supplier of electronics goods, it is also one of the region’s fastest growing markets for portable navigation systems and wireless local search applications,” said Tele Atlas Asia Pacific Chief Operating Officer Mark Steele. “Forming Tele Atlas Taiwan acknowledges the important role the area plays in the worldwide navigation systems market, and helps us answer growing customer requirements for highly accurate digital maps of Taiwan. The combination of S&T’s database and Tele Atlas’ global experience and customer base will ensure our joint venture is a success.”
With this joint venture, S&T can leverage Tele Atlas’ maps and market strength to enhance our automatic vehicle location system and navigation software in the more than 80 markets worldwide where our systems are currently distributed. It is a combination that will bring benefit to both of us,” added S&T CEO Michael Lan.