Navigation Technologies Powers VisuAide's Navigation Tools for Visually Impaired

CHICAGO, IL - Navigation Technologies, a provider of digital maps for vehicle navigation, Internet/wireless applications and business solutions, announced that VisuAide, a developer of digital audio solutions for the visually impaired, will develop a voice-enabled navigation application using NAVTECH digital map data. The application, which is currently being developed, will provide a tool for calculating precise pedestrian routes, allowing visually impaired users to orient themselves and navigate urban areas. The application, Victor Trekker, enables access to precise locations, directions and routing, and detailed descriptions of surroundings such as points of interest and other coordinates. In addition, the system will allow users to ask their navigation units for directions to a particular destination and the system will speak back to them, giving turn-by-turn directions, using actual street names every step of the way. Further details regarding the product will be announced later this year. "Navigation Technologies is excited to be a part of an important application that will enrich and enhance people's lives," said John MacLeod, Executive Vice President, North America and World Markets at Navigation Technologies. "VisuAide's solution will harness NAVTECH digital map data to expand navigation options, increase independence and offer instant solutions for the daily routing needs of people who are visually impaired." "VisuAide strives to develop the most comprehensive and innovate digital tools to help orient and guide our customers," said Gilles Pepin, President of VisuAide. "Beyond getting the visually impaired from 'point A' to 'point B', we aim to increase their autonomy and help them better integrate within society. This application will address that goal." NAVTECH maps were selected because of the quality and degree of information including the 150 critical attributes per road segment, such as direction of travel and address ranges, as well as positional accuracy. NAVTECH maps include street names and addresses and 45 categories of destinations or points of interest such as restaurants, hotels, landmarks and ATMs.