CHICAGO, Dec. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- NAVTEQ, the leading global provider of digital map, traffic and location data for in-vehicle, portable, wireless and enterprise solutions has significantly expanded its navigable map of Croatia - giving drivers access to the country's versatile road network.

Featuring a total of over 85,400 kilometers of roads, the map includes full coverage of the mainland plus 159 key islands off the Adriatic coast. There are also many other features to help guide residents and Croatia's millions of annual visitors from the sea to the slopes of the Alps and deep into the Pannonian Valley to the banks of the Danube and Drava rivers.

For example, 3D images of famous landmarks, such as the Croatian National Theatre in Rijeka and Zagreb's impressive Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, are designed to help orientate drivers and pedestrians in the two major cities. There are also over 15,000 Points of Interest including facilities such as banks, restaurants, car parks, hotels, pharmacies and tourist attractions like Croatia's many world heritage sites and national parks.

Inclusion of Speed limits and Driver Alerts enable warning of changes in upcoming road conditions such as sharp bends, steep hills and safe overtaking spots. A feature called Extended Lanes helps guide drivers on to the appropriate lane at complex junctions on Croatia's many new highways.

A local team with local knowledge

The thousands of small, rural settlements which are an integral part of Croatia's heritage and charm are an excellent example of how important local knowledge is when compiling a map. "Many of these 'selo' have names which have been used for generations but which are not officially listed," commented Frank Pauli, vice president EMEA Map and Content Products, NAVTEQ. "Our Croatian team took the time to investigate and ask questions in the villages - often in local post offices and shops - so the correct information could be added to the database."

Based in Zagreb, NAVTEQ's Croatian team has established good relationships with local and government authorities, and also some private organizations, to help them keep abreast of the major ongoing developments to the country's infrastructure. Very often the team gets permission to drive new roads before they officially open so that the changes are added to the map database as soon as the road is opened to the public.

In recent years over 300 kilometers of highway have been added to the road network in Croatia and thousands of kilometers have been improved or altered. As trade with neighboring countries continues to increase, these changes are likely to continue and must be monitored to ensure the map stays as up to date as possible.

About NAVTEQ

NAVTEQ is the leading global provider of digital map, traffic and location data that enables navigation and location-based platforms around the world. NAVTEQ supplies comprehensive digital map information to power automotive navigation systems, portable and wireless devices, Internet-based mapping applications and government and business solutions. The Chicago-based company was founded in 1985 and has approximately 4,400 employees located in 195 offices and in 44 countries.

NAVTEQ is a trademark in the U.S. and other countries. All rights reserved.

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