Haven't been watching the matter that closely, but I had to laugh at how blind the media seems to be at Google's transition from one set of mapping data to an other, at least for the US. First Google has started with Navteq. At that time it was what the competitor Mapquest used and what many GPS manufacturers used (including Garmin and Magellan), and considered by many the superior mapping data. Then we assisted to a slow rise of TeleAtlas, and for a reason or an other (like maybe the Navteq acquisition by Nokia) Google transitioned to the TeleAtlas mapping system. That was September 2008, and at that time TeleAtlas was owned by the GPS maker Tomtom.
Today, in the flurry of news about Google's navigation software I just thought to take one more look at the maps in my PC browser. And surprise surprise, the starting map piece with my home location looked different. More detailed I should say and in a slightly different , more crisp layout. I live near a state university, and the maps now reflect lots of details about campus buildings. Even doctors' offices are shown on the map.
I checked quickly the right bottom corner where Google notes the map data source, and you can read now "Google - Map data" where we could read before "TeleAtlas". So Google is relying now on its own mapping data. Checking the news again, there is a scarcity of information about it, but nevertheless there seems to be a statement from a TeleAtlas spokeperson confirming the cessation of the deal for the US maps.
I think in the light of the new Google navigation software this is an important piece of news. For better or for worse Google ditched Teleatlas (owned by Tomtom) while offering its own breakthrough navigation solution. That means Google will not only compete with Tomtom with its navigation solution but also as a provider of mapping data.
What is everybody thinking about the new Google Maps? Better or worse in your area?
