Navteq Destination Maps make Indoor Navigation possible

Ever walked into a gigantic mall and wondered which direction to start sauntering about? Well, Chicago based navigation expert, Navteq, whose 3D land marking and real time traffic data services have set benchmarks in the world of on-road navigation technology have now developed a new kind of service, which should put your retail therapy right back on track.

Navteq Destination Maps in India will now offer customers indoor navigation solutions. This ‘first-of-its-kind’ product features a unique set of interior map attributes (e.g., escalators, elevators) with detailed place data to enable users to navigate and explore indoor spaces. 

Consumer can now improve their overall shopping experience by enabling the creation of applications that facilitate “internal” direct routes to stores, ATM’s, exits etc, whilst providing detailed information about Points of Interest (POI) and improved search functionality. 

Speaking on the successful deployment of this unique functionality by Navteq in its devices for India, Tarun Harnathka, Director of Map and Content, Indian Subcontinent, Nokia, Location & Commerce, said, “The concept of indoor mapping is extremely relevant in India where the mall culture has gripped Indians of all ages. More importantly, Navteq Destination Maps allow applications to easily and seamlessly extend navigation experience from the outside, all the way to the front door of a shop within a mall.” 

With more than 250 new malls accessible to Indian consumers in 2011-2012(1) expect an increase in footfalls thanks to the convenience that such devices will bring to the country’s shopaholics, not to mention an opportunity for mall operators to encourage re-visits. Navteq Destination Maps are currently available in 150 malls across 17 cities.