Navteq shows a better way

Trade

That way, dummy! Descriptive reference cues are at the heart of the new system

GPS map maker Navteq has unveiled a product that it claims promises to materially change the way navigation systems and applications interact with users.

Navteq Natural Guidance breaks new ground by enabling guidance through the use of descriptive reference cues – the way people provide directions to each other.

Navteq Natural Guidance leapfrogs today’s linear navigation instructions – e.g. ‘turn right in 50 metres on High Street’ – by guiding the way people instruct each other; that is, through descriptions of orientation points such as distinctive points of interest and landmarks. Thus the instruction becomes ‘turn right after the yellow shop’ or ‘turn right at the traffic signal.’

Research shows consumers want more intuitive and practical directions because they are easier to follow and let drivers keep their eyes on the road. Navteq Natural Guidance enables applications to use recognisable and easily understandable points of reference close to the decision point to highlight the next manoeuvre.

“Natural Guidance provides the kind of directions we want as people,” said Tiffany Treacy, Navteq senior vice president of product management. “It challenges the man-machine status quo of how navigation systems have worked for years by finally enabling the kind of guidance that sounds like it’s coming from a friend who is riding along with you. This is a revolutionary first step toward more natural and ultimately more personalised experiences.”

Navteq Natural Guidance is currently available for Berlin, Chicago, Delhi, London, Los Angeles, New York, Munich and Paris.

www.navteq.com

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