The whole world online...
Tele Atlas's global fleet has mapped more than 205 countries and territories, according to company spokesperson Erin Delaney."I talk to myself a lot," Russo quipped as he stood next to the minivan. "I get a lot of hotel stay credits, but convert them right away to airline miles because I don't want to be driving anywhere on vacation."Tele Atlas and Naviteq augment information obtained from their specially-equipped fleets with data from satellites, public records, government agencies and anywhere else with reliable facts about roadways.Tele Atlas is now making three-dimensional digital recreations of the world's major cities.Mio Technology Corporation used CES to showcase a new in-car navigation system with realistic Tele Atlas 3-D maps of European cities and landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower in Paris and Rome's Coliseum."Eventually, I'm sure, the whole world in 3-D will be online," Delaney said. "You'll never have to leave your house, although I think it's better if you do."Data compiled by the companies promises to merge with innovations in mobile devices and software applications to offer drivers conveniences such as finding out nearby gasoline prices or available parking spaces in real time.Trucking companies already use information from the companies to determine the cheapest or fastest routes to destinations, taking into account how the road slopes will affect mileage.Navteq has more than 700 analysts collecting, verifying and updating the more than 20 million kilometres of logged roadway from 72 countries.
As in the days of Noah.....