Interview: Rajat Tandon, Country Director, Sales, NAVTEQ India Pvt. Ltd.

Chicago based NAVTEQ is the leading global provider of digital map, traffic and location data that enables navigation and location based platforms around the world. The company supplies comprehensive digital map information to power automotive navigation systems, portable and wireless devices, internet based mapping applications and government and business solutions. Vikram Gour caught up with Rajat Tandon to get a better understanding about the Indian operations, market requirements and an insight to some unique navigation solutions.

ZW: Please elaborate on your India operations and where you stand today in terms of mapping the country.

Rajat: In 2003 we did some contracts for a maps database in India. However it wasnt till July 2008 that we set up our first sales office. In the same year we also set up a global R&D center in Mumbai and till date we have managed to map 84 cities completely. Apart from this, we have an additional 81 cities mapped at a base level, meaning that the data on these 81 additional cities is not verified as of yet, but its good enough to guide you. The complete highway grid is mapped and we have over 628,000 kilometers of roads in our system.

ZW: Unlike the west where navigation devices have witnessed a strong following, the Indian market is rather different. What are you views on this?

Rajat: There is no doubting the fact that the Indian market is different, but then that is only a challenge in terms of providing a customized option for this market. Navigation tools are a requirement no matter what. Who wouldn't want to benefit from having an easy method to get around a city, town or country for that matter without having to constantly stop and ask for directions. India has a strong mobile influence and Internet usage is high. It is only a matter of time before navigation devices find an increasing popularity here as well.

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ZW: What are the challenges you are facing in this market?

Rajat: As a matter of fact, we see the Indian market as a big opportunity. With more people opting for high end mobile phones with GPS enabled services, an improvement in infrastructure and car makers also looking at making a difference, our work is actually becoming a little easier. Yes, it is a challenge to change a mindset. We are accustomed to asking for directions and our notion of navigation is very visual based. Think about it, when you stop and ask someone for directions in India, they rarely tell you a street name, its always visual landmarks that finally guide you. That is on the mindset front. From a service provider perspective, there are other challenges in terms of roads changing thanks to the sheer amount of construction taking place especially in the major cities. Roads are closed, new roads are built, small changes in terms of detours are added, it's a dynamic market and to map it at the pace of development is a tough task.