Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

NAVTEQ Celebrates 25 Years at the Forefront of the Industry

CHICAGO - The company began operations in 1985, and today holds over 400 patents and supplies data to over 1700 customers worldwide.

by Staff
September 16, 2010
3 min to read


CHICAGO - NAVTEQ, the leading global provider of maps, traffic and location data enabling navigation, location-based services and mobile advertising around the world, is celebrating 25 years at the forefront of the development of digital maps and location content. The company began operations in 1985, and today holds over 400 patents and supplies data to over 1700 customers worldwide.

NAVTEQ is recognized as a leader who anticipated and brought to market products which have shaped the industry.  The company invested in the development of a fully navigable digital map database envisioned for in-car navigation years in advance of available systems to utilize the data.  NAVTEQ helped advance the emergence of location-based services, including enabling Internet-based map portals and pioneering the NAVTEQ Global LBS Challenge® to support developers in their efforts to build location-enabled applications.  And NAVTEQ is acknowledged as a driving force in the development of the data technologies needed to support vehicle Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

Ad Loading...

The company has also played a key role in a multitude of other "firsts:"

  • Map data provider for the first in-car GPS navigation system

  • The first digital map with coverage on all 6 continents, as well as the first coverage in South Africa and the Middle East (United Arab Emirates)

  • The first company to offer a means for community map feedback (today known as NAVTEQ Map ReporterTM)

  • The first data provider in North America to deliver real-time traffic linked to the map in an in-car navigation system


NAVTEQ has built its reputation on not only the quality of its data, but also the support the company provides to its customers.  Today, operations span 211 offices in 48 countries.  And NAVTEQ continues to innovate, from new collection technologies like NAVTEQ TrueTM to new ways to do business, like the introduction of advertising-supported services through NAVTEQ LocationPointTM Advertising. NAVTEQ is proud to provide the broadest range of location content to support consumer and business applications.

"This is truly an important milestone for NAVTEQ, and one we are happy to share with both our employees and our customers," stated Larry Kaplan, president and CEO of NAVTEQ.  "As we look to the future, location content can only continue to grow as a driving force behind new industries and new consumer experiences, and we plan to remain on our path of revolutionizing what is possible."

In honor of this anniversary, NAVTEQ has made a $25,000 donation to UNICEF in support of the world's children.

Ad Loading...

About NAVTEQ

NAVTEQ is the leading global provider of maps, traffic and location data (digital location content) enabling navigation, location-based services and mobile advertising around the world.  NAVTEQ was founded in 1985 and now supplies comprehensive digital location content to power automotive navigation systems, portable and wireless devices, Internet-based mapping applications and government and business solutions.  The Chicago-based company is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2010, proudly supported by approximately 5,000 employees located in 211 offices in 48 countries.

NAVTEQ, NAVTEQ True, Global LBS Challenge, NAVTEQ LocationPoint, and Map Reporter are trademarks in the U.S. and other countries. All rights reserved.


More Telematics

Colin Sutherlans and an uber and waymo car
Telematicsby Chris BrownJune 25, 2026

Waymo vs. Tesla Robotaxi: Side-by-Side Ride-Hailing Test Highlights Different Approaches to Autonomy

Video comparison in Austin contrasts traditional Uber service with autonomous offerings from Waymo and Tesla Robotaxi.

Read More →
Tablet displaying fleet telematics analytics in front of commercial vans, illustrating how fleet operators use vehicle data to improve safety, efficiency, and performance.
TelematicsJune 25, 2026

Paying for a Fire Hose, Drinking from a Garden Hose: Getting the Full Value of Your Telematics

Why fleets struggle to turn telematics data into real-world results and how to fix it.

Read More →
Futuristic background with Building Smarter Fleet Cybersecurity Policies overlay
Telematicsby Jeanny AbrahamJune 2, 2026

Building Smarter Cybersecurity Policies for Fleet Operations

As fleet operations become increasingly connected, cybersecurity can no longer be treated as an IT issue alone. Building effective policies requires a proactive approach that protects vehicles, data, and operational systems while ensuring employees, vendors, and technology partners follow consistent security standards.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
wheel geotab image
SponsoredJune 1, 2026

Turning Connected Vehicle Data Into Decisions That Matter

Fleet leaders have more data than ever, but turning that data into clear, actionable decisions remains a challenge. This white paper shows how leading organizations are using connected vehicle data to improve safety, reduce costs, and optimize fleet performance. Learn how to turn insight into action across your fleet.

Read More →
A person holding a clipboard and writing on an inspection checklist beside the wheel of a large white vehicle, likely conducting a fleet or safety inspection.
SponsoredJune 1, 2026

Cameras, Safety and Insurance: From Reactive Claims to Real-time Prevention

Commercial auto remains one of the most challenging and costly lines of coverage for fleet operators and insurers alike. Learn more about how to effectively address these issues from Onur Aksan, Enterprise Business Development Executive, Geotab.

Read More →
A man standing in front of transparent tech screen with a the outline of a delivery truck.
RemarketingMay 1, 2026

The Predictive Pivot: How AI and Data Are Redefining Auto Logistics in 2026

AI is no longer a luxury but the baseline for profitability in 2026. Auto haulers that adopt these tools now will quickly outpace those that use manual workflows or take a wait-and-see approach.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Interview shot of subject
Telematicsby Chris BrownMarch 18, 2026

How 5-Second Telematics Data Is Changing Fleet Safety

More detailed telematics data is giving fleets a clearer picture of what happens before a crash. Here’s why 5-second data matters.

Read More →
Mobilisights Connect logo on a blue background, representing Stellantis’s connected vehicle data and fleet telematics software platform supporting fleet management and vehicle insights.
Telematicsby News/Media ReleaseMarch 16, 2026

Mobilisights Rebrands as Mobilisights Connect

Stellantis is rebranding and expanding its B2B offerings, now offering software solutions for fleets through Mobilisights Connect.

Read More →
two person interview at desk
Telematicsby Chris BrownMarch 4, 2026

Can AI Really Make Fleet Drivers Safer?

Wheels’ David Glines explains how AI-powered coaching, connected vehicle data, and video telematics are helping fleets improve driver behavior.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Telematicsby StaffFebruary 10, 2026

Ford Pro Telematics Introduces Asset Tracking

Ford Pro Telematics new software update allows fleet managers more control over their vehicle data and assets with customizable dashboards and data-driven search capabilities.

Read More →