Bill Henry

Tele Atlas is a subsidiary of TomTom, and everything Google already has or will develop – from desktop services to mobile tools – seems to be covered by the terms of the agreement.  In return, Tele Atlas gets to see the ways in which Google’s users edit its maps.  This might help the company keep the maps more accurate and up-to-date.

This development might act as a testament to the power of Google’s community, as well, if access to its knowledge is considered such a valuable thing.

The financial terms of the agreement remain undisclosed, however, so it’s possible Tele Atlas also received a big pile o’ cash.  Bill Henry, the company’s CEO, gave a believable explanation as to why he’d participate either way: "Google’s innovation and leadership is undisputed, and we are proud to have the opportunity to be the map foundation for one of the world’s most progressive web companies."

Keep an eye out for all sorts of map updates once Google and Tele Atlas have the chance to get settled.

TomTom May Provide “Navigation 2.0″

The company plans to acquire Europe-based Tele Atlas, a digital mapmaker that utilizes user-generated content to update auto-travel information – closed roads, construction, cool new restaurant on a particular street – all submitted by users, providing more information than traditional GPS services offer.

But don’t get too excited yet. The deal’s not complete yet and it is not yet known if "Navigation 2.0" will be implemented in the US.

Many are touting the possibility as a wisdom-of-crowds triumph, and are wondering what other uses the user-generated model could be put to in the mobile sector.

Seems to me it’s only a matter of time before it’s put to nefarious purposes: the night security guard here takes naps between 2 and 4 a.m.; the woman at this house doesn’t close her blinds; vehicle enforcement cops spotted on this stretch of highway.

Well, that last one doesn’t sound so bad.