Google extends maps deal with Tele Atlas

Google Maps - same as ever
Google Maps - same as ever

Google has announced plans to continue receiving a good chunk of info for its Maps application from Tom-Tom-owned Tele Atlas.

The Dutch navigation information provider has been working with Google for the past three years, and Tele Atlas told TechRadar it is one of the biggest providers of mapping and other information.

The press release makes it seem like the deal is going to boost Google Maps in some way, but in reality the extension is really just a validation of the service it has been providing.

"This is basically an extension of the previous deal," said a spokesperson for Google. "It gives Tele Atlas access to users' edited maps, as we have the capability for users to change a map if they see fit."

Lack of variation

Apparently, this is likely to be the only change to the service, so thoughts it would provide some level of greater interaction with Google Maps for Mobile or the forthcoming Android appear to be wide of the mark.

However, Tele Atlas did confirm to Google it is looking to increase the partnership in the future.

"We are the biggest provider to Google, which enhances the level of interaction we can achieve," said a spokesman for the company. "We are also looking at ways to increase this in the future, although it is a non-exclusive contract."

Gareth Beavis
Formerly Global Editor in Chief


Gareth has been part of the consumer technology world in a career spanning three decades. He started life as a staff writer on the fledgling TechRadar, and has grown with the site (primarily as phones, tablets and wearables editor) until becoming Global Editor in Chief in 2018. Gareth has written over 4,000 articles for TechRadar, has contributed expert insight to a number of other publications, chaired panels on zeitgeist technologies, presented at the Gadget Show Live as well as representing the brand on TV and radio for multiple channels including Sky, BBC, ITV and Al-Jazeera. Passionate about fitness, he can bore anyone rigid about stress management, sleep tracking, heart rate variance as well as bemoaning something about the latest iPhone, Galaxy or OLED TV.