'Mobile Earth' Mapping Service Launches in Germany

location based services

Düsseldorf, Germany, Sept 6th, 2006 - 'Mobile Earth', a unique, new mapping and information service has been launched today for Vodafone Germany's mobile subscribers. The service, available on Java-enabled devices, has been created by LocatioNet Systems Ltd., the leading provider of mobile mapping and location applications, and is using content from TeleAtlas, a leading digital mapping company.The Mobile Earth service enables mobile users to view any address in Germany over full colour maps or high resolution aerial photos, calculate the best routes between addresses and view the results on a map, in addition to searching and viewing over four hundred thousand points of interest in Germany. Mobile subscribers can now access all the mapping information that was previously only available from their PC, using an optimised user interface on their mobile phones. The Mobile Earth application requires a single over-the-air download from the Vodafone Live! mobile portal, just like a mobile game. The application has an advanced Java-based user interface with maps rapidly delivered to the users' handset from the central server over the wireless network, giving the mobile user the feeling that the entire mapping and aerial photo content is stored on his handset. "We are very pleased and proud that Vodafone selected Mobile Earth as their new mobile mapping service" said Ofer Tziperman, President of LocatioNet. "This innovative application takes the subscribers beyond mapping and information services by adding another interesting dimension: the option to view the high resolution aerial photos. Mobile Earth was designed as a mass-market solution for everyone to use. The Java platform creates a user-friendly interface and allows smart handling of maps that cannot be achieved with WAP It is a fascinating experience to discover the colourful, detailed aerial photo behind the map. One can actually see the real details of any desired location. We are looking forward to working with Vodafone to provide additional information and features for its subscribers." Lionel Maestri, Director BtoC Europe of TeleAtlas, commented, "Vodafone's adoption of this product proves our belief that digital maps and other point of interest information should be available to people not only when they are sitting by their PC, but also when they are mobile and in real need of maps, directions and information search. We are delighted to be working with LocatioNet and Vodafone on Mobile Earth."The mobile subscriber is the ideal consumer of information search, mapping and routing tools. However, previous WAP applications have resulted in very poor user experience. Mobile Earth provides a mass-market solution, with an improved user interface based on Java. To view a demo, please visit - http://www.locationet.com/mobile_earth.htm About LocatioNetWith a proven track record of over 15 years in location-based systems and applications, LocatioNet is a world leader in mobile local search, mapping and navigation applications. LocatioNet's unique technology enables fast retrieval of high quality maps and information over wireless networks. LocatioNet's applications are serving mobile operators and customers all over the world.About TeleAtlasFounded in 1984, Tele Atlas delivers the digital maps and dynamic location content that power the world's most essential geographic solutions. The information is the foundation for a wide range of personal and in-car navigation systems, mobile and Internet map applications that help GPS system users find the places, products and services they need, wherever they are. Tele Atlas also works with business partners who deliver critical applications for emergency, business fleet and infrastructure services. The company employs 2,300 full-time staff and contract cartographers at offices in 20 countries around the world and uses a sophisticated network of thousands of sources to regularly update its maps. Tele Atlas is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (TA6) and on Euronext Amsterdam (TA). For more information, visit www.teleatlas.com.