Newsletter 38

One of the first new-generation truck-oriented in-vehicle navigation systems to run on Pocket PCs and other third-party devices has been announced by German developer PTV. It takes advantage of developments by navigation map providers (in this case Navteq) to document truck-related restrictions such as width, length, weight and speed.

Moreover, users can set up and save vehicle and trailer profiles on the device, so that they can call up the correct parameters when they swap vehicles or equipment. Drivers can also deal with different types of risk such as uphill or downhill stretches, uneven road surface, dangerous bends, crosswind or overhanging trees.

The system has an open interface, allowing users to link it to existing PDA-based software applications such order management systems. PTV also says the user interface can be adapted to the devices with individual screen sizes and other specific details. It cites as examples to Psion Teklogix Workabout Pro, the landscape-format Gotive H42 and the Symbol MC 50/70.