Digital map databases that power navigation devices are most often associated with passenger vehicles and consumer applications, but in fact, map database makers are
equally busy developing and refining offerings for commercial vehicle applications.

The initial launch of products for commercial vehicles occurred around two years ago – a virtual lifetime in the fast paced technology world.

Since then considerable advances in the robustness of map databases for commercial
vehicles have occurred – with improvements to geographic coverage and strong enhancements to the range of attributes maintained.

However, take-up of commercial applications running digital map databases by fleet
managers remains relatively moderate in comparison to the unprecedented growth
experienced in consumer markets.

Take-up on this level is a little surprising given that map databases supporting navigation with truck-specific data can help generate compelling, quantifiable, benefits for
carriers.

For example:
* Leveraging the right GPS-based systems,fleet managers can achieve significant savings
on transport costs by managing the routing and monitoring of drivers and vehicles
* Vehicle-appropriate routes help drivers avoid dangerous driving situations and
potential damage to vehicles and road infrastructure
* With current price of fuel, the number of miles driven per year and MPG, even slight reductions in out-of-route miles can yield significant fuel savings and driver productivity
improvements
* Qualitative benefits to consider include enhanced customer satisfaction with more
accurate estimated times of arrival (ETA s) and the ability to attract and retain
qualified drivers with better tools.

In today’s highly competitive transportationv environment, tools delivering such comprehensive benefits should be considered as part of an overall fleet management system.

With the expansive truck-specific content and continued enhancements available
through well-established map databases, applications utilising this data can provide a
compelling, continuous return-on-investment to fleet and haulage-based businesses.