NAVIGATION TECHNOLOGIES' SDAL FORMAT MAKES STRONG SHOWING AT IFA
Panasonic and Pioneer become the latest to show products using the navigation map maker's solution to CD compatibility

Posted On:
Aug. 26, 1999

Berlin, Germany, 24 August 1999 - Two major manufacturers are here demonstrating new navigation products that use SDAL Format, the proposed solution to map CD-ROM compatibility from industry leader Navigation Technologies. Joining a growing list of products, Pioneer and Panasonic are previewing vehicle navigation systems that use map CDs complying with SDAL Format. The demonstrations are significant in that they make it possible to use a single map CD interchangeably between two different manufacturer's systems. To date, the industry has struggled with the CD compatibility issue, with each manufacturer's system requiring its own proprietary map CD to operate.

Navigation Technologies creates digital maps for 9 out of 10 vehicle navigation systems on the road today in Europe, and virtually every navigation system in North America. The database also is used in a wide range of other travel-related products.

Navigation Technologies created SDAL Format as an interim solution to map CD compatibility while official ISO and other industry standards organisations work to resolve the issue officially. "We're pleased by the reception of SDAL and the fact that it is used today in commercial navigation products," says Salahuddin Khan, Navigation Technologies' Vice President Strategic Initiatives and Software Services. "At the same time, we recognise and fully support an ISO-approved international standards solution. This is solution the industry needs for serious market momentum."

At IFA, one of the world's largest consumer electronics events, Pioneer demonstrated its new SDAL-based AVIC aftermarket navigation system which already is selling in Benelux and soon will be on retail shelves in Germany and other Western European countries. Panasonic showed off its own SDAL-based navigation system, which it also plans to launch later this year in Europe. Meanwhile, other manufacturers that have launched or about to launch commercial products based on SDAL include Microsoft, Clarion, Magellan, and TecMasters, among others.

"SDAL Format is an important step toward resolving the issue of compatibility," said Keiichi Sugimoto, Senior Coordinator of Automotive Consumer Electronics Division at Panasonic. "Based on our experience in Japan, which has a relatively mature navigation market, we recognised the critical role map CD compatibility plays in overall market growth. Achieving CD compatibility is one of the most important cornerstones in building strong navigation markets in Europe and the U.S."

"Prior to SDAL Format, consumers were forced to buy a particular map CD because it was the only one that worked with their navigation system. SDAL changes that," said Pioneer's Geert Verhoeven, Manager New Media Planning. "We're convinced that it's the solution that the industry and consumers have been waiting for."

Navigation Technologies will make the technical specification of SDAL Format open and available for any developer wishing to build product based on it. While preparing for the specification's planned publication date, Navigation Technologies provided a summer preview to European car makers at an ERTICO-sponsored session 8 June in Brussels. As Europe's sponsorship organisation for intelligent transport technologies, ERTICO hosted the meeting to address auto manufacturers concerns about the compatibility question. Existing SDAL users and auto manufacturers are currently reviewing the specification.