Tele Atlas, a worldwide provider of digital map data and location content, announced Jan. 8 that its turn-by-turn map data and points of interest (POIs) content are exclusively powering Pioneer's newest in-car navigation system, the AVIC-N1. Pioneer's latest navigation system uses Tele Atlas' most complete turn-by-turn maps currently available for the United States. This product is also the industry's first audio/video/navigation system with full map display that merges entertainment, information and vehicle dynamics technologies into one product, according to the company. "For example, a family driving from Los Angeles to San Francisco can have its entire route mapped in the memory of the navigation system and still entertain rear seat passengers with DVD movies for the length of the trip," Tele Atlas said in a prepared statement. "We're thrilled to see Pioneer leveraging the power of our North American turn-by-turn map database for its newest in-car navigation product," said George Fink, chief operating officer of Tele Atlas. "We applaud Pioneer for bringing this unique, easy-to-use navigation solution to consumers in North America, and are confident that consumers will experience enhanced navigation capabilities with Tele Atlas map data and location content." The Tele Atlas North American turn-by-turn map database enables the AVIC-N1 to provide route guidance for the entire United States and Canada. Once a consumer selects a destination, the AVIC-N1's processor calculates a route in approximately 10 seconds and provides directions via voice prompts. A separate positioning CPU is used for vehicle positioning on a detailed map that displays the route on a 6.5-inch LCD touch screen monitor. The system also uses a database with 12-million points of interest (POI) in a database secured through infoUSA that contains more than 248 different categories so consumers can search for the nearest gas station, ATM, or restaurant. As users are guided along their route, points of interest are overlaid onto the Tele Atlas map, which, according to the company, is particularly helpful when driving in unfamiliar areas. Icons are used to identify hotels, restaurants, banks, and even specific chain store locations such as Holiday Inn® hotels and 76® gas stations. Memory Navigation is what the company calls "an industry-first mapping technology that allows consumers to access all the features of both the navigation and A/V system simultaneously rather than facing an either-or choice." The audio/video entertainment system provides dual-zone capabilities, as well as DVD video playback, single CD, MP3 CDs and AM/FM/XM satellite radio. Tele Atlas has been working as a technology partner for Pioneer as it continues to make deep inroads into the in-car navigation market. The two companies say they are confident that the AVIC-N1 in-car navigation system will become an indispensable travel tool for drivers of all ages. For more information about the Pioneer AVIC-N1 system, visit Pioneer's website at www.pioneerelectronics.com. About Tele Atlas Founded in 1984, Tele Atlas is a worldwide provider of digital maps and dynamic location content for a variety of navigation, location-based services and geospatial products and database solutions. Tele Atlas says its database enables turn-by-turn route guidance on virtually all European and North American roads. Tele Atlas says its equipment is compatible with all major navigation systems. For more information, visit www.na.teleatlas.com.