Garmin Licenses 3D Terrain Models

Intermap has signed an agreement with Garmin. For three years, Intermap will furnish accurate 3D elevation data for the United States and Western Europe derived from its NEXTMap countrywide digital map database. Initial Garmin products utilising NEXTMap data are expected to reach the consumer market beginning in the first half of 2010.

Brian Bullock, Intermap's president and CEO: "Integrating our NEXTMap data with Garmin's GPS and navigation products has many possibilities that will enhance the consumer experience and the value they receive from daily use of these products.

"With our detailed elevation data, Garmin can upgrade maps in their outdoor GPS products, automotive portable navigation devices, and marine product lines," Bullock continued. "The base map layer in GPS and navigation devices is very important for mapping applications."

With NEXTMap data, Garmin can enhance its outdoor product line through terrain rendering and the creation of shaded raster imagery. Additionally, with accurate and seamless three-dimensional data across multiple countries, Garmin can create elevation sensitive content and applications right across the range of their product line.