Digital maps data provider Navteq has launched new LBS navigation features for users in southeast Asia, including 3D landmarks and detailed pedestrian data for locating train station entrances and taxi stands.
Navteq launched its 3D Landmarks feature for digital maps in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand at this week's Mobile Asia Congress.
The landmarks feature is designed to help users reconcile the map on the device screen with the reality on the road, although it doesn't have to be obvious tourist spots like, for example, the Grand Palace in Bangkok or something with unusual architecture like the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, says Aaron Dannenbring, Navteq's director of product management.
"The object is to let users know where they are and what direction they're facing, and the obvious landmark to use isn't always the most famous building or the oddest-looking one," he said. "We have a team of 1,000 geographic analysts on the ground in the cities we cover to select the right landmarks."
The Navteq maps for Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand also contain extended lane information to enable navigation systems to more accurately guide users through complex manoeuvres by supplying info indicating the total number of road, turn and exit lanes.
Another new product, Discover Cities, is aimed at pedestrians and includes detailed info on transit station entrances, stairs, escalators and platform elevators, as well as taxi stand and water taxi locations.