deCarta to support OpenStreetMap content

Location-based services (LBS) software and services supplier deCarta has announced that it has launched a new beta program that supports content from the OpenStreetMap Project (OSM). Launched in August of 2004, OpenStreetMap is an open source project run by the OpenStreetMap Foundation that is building free online maps that are not based on any copyright or licensed map data.

Initially the new beta program will make OSM content from selected cities around the world available to developers wanting to create map display, vehicle tracking, high-level routing or pedestrian navigation applications through deCarta's Developer Zone site. According to deCarta, a product that will support local search, turn-by-turn navigation and the complete coverage of OSM will be available for both server and client-side solutions in October, 2009.

President and CEO of deCarta J. Kim Fennell said "We have embraced the OSM concept for some time and feel that it can add to the richness of content in the marketplace". deCarta's current customers and partners include Ford, GM OnStar, LG, Maps.com, NAVTEQ, Tele Atlas and TeleNav. The OSM data in a deCarta format will be provided free of charge.

See also:

• New board members for the OpenStreetMap Foundation, a report from The H.
• OpenStreetMap surpasses 100,000 registered user accounts, a report from The H.

(crve)