Navigation Technologies, a provider of digital maps for vehicle navigation, Internet/wireless, government and business solutions, and Metrocommute, a provider of personalized real-time traffic information, say they are collaborating on a four-city trial of Navigation Technologies' real-time traffic data solution for North America. The trial is currently underway in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Detroit. Navigation Technologies says it has developed a traffic data solution designed to aggregate the data of multiple traffic data providers, like Metrocommute, to provide real-time traffic information. According to the company, the solution allows the information to be packaged for delivery to vehicles and wireless handheld devices to help drivers in North America make smart routing decisions. The solution is uniquely designed to provide detailed traffic information aggregated specifically for navigation applications. It can receive multiple sources and types of information from incident (accidents, stalled vehicles, etc.) and flow (speed and movement of traffic) to weather and events. The information is merged with NAVTECH(R) map data through a data integration process for delivery to an in-vehicle navigation system, PDA or mobile phone through a wireless signal. Navigation Technologies' traffic data solution employs an inclusive, flexible architecture that is scalable to multiple data providers and markets. Metrocommute's traffic incident and flow data are key enablers of Navigation Technologies' four-city traffic trial. The company employs a professional staff of traffic reporters and producers to quickly identify and report incidents that cause delays on the roadways and rail. Metrocommute also utilizes an automated traffic surveillance system to detect and report traffic problems in real-time 24/7, says the company. Navigation Technologies first demonstrated a North American traffic data solution in October 2002 at the 9th World Congress on Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), the global conference and exhibition on transportation technology. About Navigation Technologies
Navigation Technologies creates digital maps that power navigation and location-based services around the world. The Chicago-based company was founded in 1985 and is privately held. The Company's approximately 1,300 employees are in over 100 offices in 17 countries. For more information, visit www.navtech.com. About Metrocommute.com LLC
Metrocommute (www.metrocommute.com) says it launched the nation's first privately operated real-time traffic and transit condition information web site in 1996. Today, Metrocommute provides personalized information products for corporations, organizations, and consumers on the Internet, to wireless devices, and on the telephone. The firm's clients and partners include CBS New York, 1010 WINS, WCBS NEWSRADIO 880, Newsday, the NY Post, the Bergen Record, and WLIE 540AM.