Point-to-point route search emerged as the top location-based app in Navteq\'s second annual Global LBS Challenge for the Asia-Pacific region.
Japan-based Navitime took the grand prize for its app of the same name that uses any major transportation method - walking, driving, trains and subway, buses, taxis and airlines - to show users how to get to their destination.
Navitime gets over $557,500 in cash, tools and data licenses, and handsets from Navteq and sponsors for its efforts.
Navteq also named three runners-up who will get over $417,500 in prizes.
Singapore-based tenCube got recognition for its WaveSecure app for enterprises that helps users to remotely track down the geographical location of a lost phone, lock it down, back up the data and wipe all personal data to protect their privacy.
Other winners included urban team for its FastFoot-Challenge that turns any park, forest, or city into a playing field, and Yoose/Fox Mobile Distribution for YLIB-J2ME Edition, a LBS global couponing app that allows users to win coupons from businesses based on their location while playing a game or using a mobile social network on their handset.
While the competition isn\'t limited to regional players, this year\'s regional competition saw much more participation from local developers who missed last year\'s deadline.
Last year\'s APAC winner was Finnish firm JaikuSoft.
This year four of the 13 finalists originated from India alone, said Thomas Tierney, developer alliance manager for Navteq.
Tierney also said this year saw a wider variety of categories and a few new technologies like the ability to pan and tilt maps with the handset and geotagged handset broadcasting.
All the finalists can be seen at the Navteq stand (Hall 3, L2-07).