We have great news to share! Since finalizing our acquisition of Tele Atlas last week, we are pleased to announce that TomTom will be providing all Map Share™ feedback to Tele Atlas. With this new merge, the contributions of 20 million customers will be a great addition to the maps used by Tele Atlas users.

According to Harold Goddijn, the CEO of the new company identity, “[this change] will ensure that everybody can benefit from this community feedback, and the amount we have received is staggering. On average, by the end of 2008, if you drive anywhere for one hour with a Tele Atlas map enhanced by Map Share feedback, your route will be influenced by more than 20 corrections.”

To address any initial questions, please check out a few responses to some Frequently Asked Questions -

Q. How often will TA integrate the Map Share changes?
A. As of now, map Share will be an integral part of the map maintenance and production process. So in each future map release (after Q4 2008) Map Share feedback can be found.

Q. Will TA map updates be released more often?
A. We are looking into the demand for more frequent map releases. Although Map Share feedback further enhances the possibilities of more frequent map releases, it is too early to tell at this moment.

Q. Will there be any new correction options through Map Share?
A. We are working on further expansion of the corrections in Map Share.

Q. Will I still be able to participate in Map Share?
A. All TomTom customers (with Map Share on their device) can continue with submitting map corrections and reports, and they can continue sharing their feedback via TomTom HOME.

Q. How will this change the way map corrections are verified?
A. TomTom enables its customers to decide for themselves what level of verification they accept, Tele Atlas will verify all feedback before adding it to their map database.

Q. Will this bring Map Share availability to other countries – now that TT will have access to all the TA maps around the world?
A. Map Share is available in (almost) every country where TomTom sells its devices.

Q. Will there be any different pricing options with the new maps?
A. It too early to discuss future pricing strategy.

Q. Will the size of the maps change significantly? How much more space will the more robust maps take up on my device?
A. This will not change significantly. First of all, it are mostly corrections, so they replace other data. Secondly, new techniques reduce the amount of memory needed for digital maps.

Q. Will the new maps be backward compatible with all TomTom devices?
A. The new maps are expected to be offered in the same manner as current map updates.

What does it mean for you? As always with MapShare, it means better, more accurate maps!

To learn more about how TomTom and TeleAtlas are working to build the most precise maps possible, visit www.livechangingmaps.com.

To see the full press release regarding TomTom’s Map Share™ and Tele Atlas, please look here.

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