Nokia’s HERE mapping business has announced that it is working with Qualcomm to deliver more precise positioning to mobile devices located within buildings.
HERE said it will put its indoor Venue Maps technology, which currently has coverage of 50,000 unique buildings in 66 countries, together with Qualcomm’s end-to-end IZat location platform, which makes use of cellular, global navigation satellite system (GNSS), Wi-Fi, sensor and cloud-based assistance capabilities.
The resulting data will help to accelerate the development of location-based services such as promotions, loyalty rewards and offer alerts, according to the two companies. (To learn more about mobile advertising and geo-location data, sign up here to receive the next issue of Mobile Europe in print and digital).
“Our collaboration with HERE complements the capabilities of our IZat location platform to deliver the exceptional accuracy that is required for businesses and app developers looking for ways to reach mobile consumers and create additional revenue opportunities from location-based services,” commented Cormac Conroy, vice president of the mobile, computing and location business unit at Qualcomm Atheros.
“With high accuracy location and mapping becoming fundamental to success, this announcement is a great example of how industry collaboration can catalyze the market,” said Patrick Connolly, senior analyst from ABI Research.
HERE has 25 years’ experience in cartography and makes its maps by visiting venues such as airports, zoos, sports complexes, museums, to check that the details listed in building floor plans are accurate and double-checking that features like ATM machines, restrooms and escalators are included.