Designed to work with onboard devices running Windows CE, the Maptuit NaviGo navigation system stores some data on the device, but also updates it dynamically over a hosted service for a “hybrid” approach to truck-specific turn-by-turn directions. The system was introduced at the American Trucking Assns.' annual management conference, along with four onboard systems providers who have agreed to offer it on current or next generation devices.
NaviGo represents a significant step in the “open platform” approach to onboard computing, according to Jess Papows, president and CEO of Maptuit. It was developed to work with any Windows CE or Winmobile 5 platform and to communicate over a broad array of wireless data networks. The application also requires a full-color, touch-screen graphics display. Currently PeopleNet, GeoLogic Solutions, DriverTech and Cadec Global have all committed to integrating the application with their onboard systems.
NaviGo provides truck-specific navigation for drivers, offering directions that take into account both truck restrictions and operating characteristics. While the basic map data is stored onboard the truck device, a hosted component adds real-time traffic condition information and other updates on road status before calculating and transmitting directions for the driver. As a hosted system, it has a monthly subscription fee for each user.
The basic truck-attribute map data is provided by Navteq and supplemented by on-the-spot reports by some 80,000 truck drivers currently using Maptuit services, according to Papows.
For more information, go to www.maptuit.com
