Find your way with in-car navigator

Do you love driving in the city and depend on city maps to find your way? Then, forget maps, reach your desired destination with the help of a palm-sized gadget aided by a satellite.

Thanks to a new MapmyIndia navigator, an in-car GPS (global positioning system) navigation device launched by the Delhi-based CE Info Systems (P) Ltd, a provider of navigable data, travellers can now find their destination in any of the 18 major cities in the country including Bangalore real-time without any hassle.

This portable GPS gadget is pre-loaded with maps of 55,000 towns and villages, and 150 cities containing important landmarks. The device shows the traveler on the screen traveling along a pre-determined route guided by GPS.

Despite being new to any of the listed towns the traveller can find where exactly an ATM or hospital is in the city, or where to stop for a meal.

In fact, it will even show the distance and time to a particular place. This hi-tech navigation is possible with the MapmyIndia Navigator, a hand-held device that directs users to the shortest possible route to their destination using satellite navigation.

The device, however, does not tell you if there are any changes in the route in real-time or which road can be used. This does not take into account one way route, without which such a route identified is meaningless.

The navigator's hardware is presently sourced from Delphi and Amax that resembles a mobile phone.

Says Rohan Verma, director, CE Info Systems, "Internationally the market for in-car GPS navigation system is witnessing a massive growth. Last year, 20 million personal navigation devices were sold in the US and another 30 million in Europe. In India the product was introduced only two years ago and is slowly catching on."

MapmyIndia navigator uses satellites to determine the user's location and guides with visual map instructions supported by voice prompts. It can either be mounted on the windshield of the dashboard while driving or carried in hand while sitting in the backseat.

To bring GPS navigation and location-based services to the mass market, MapmyIndia is making its maps available on the Internet, mobile and in-car space.

The company is partnering automobile firms, handset and personal navigation device (PND) makers, software providers, mobile operators, internet portals and retail distribution networks of cars, accessories and consumer electronic products, Verma said.

The company has invested over $5 million to prepare the maps of various cities and towns over the last 10 years and aims to pump in another $5 million to expand its sales and distribution network.

The company is targetting to sell at least 100,000 units during the next one year. Its product is priced at Rs 22,000 and is available with car accessory dealers and electronic stores.

The company is also in talks with leading automakers to offer it as part of a car's standard features.