DeveloperLink Whitepapers

Tutorial:  Developing a Simple Mapping
Application with GeoBase and Tele Atlas Data
The GeoBase mapping engine from Tele Atlas partner Telogis offers a scalable and stable foundation for developers creating stand-alone location-based applications or seeking to integrate navigation functionality into existing enterprise applications.  This tutorial enables rapid development of LBS applications.  It introduces the GeoBase .NET component and demonstrates how to easily build a desktop mapping application with address search capabilities.  A free trial of the GeoBase SDK and a working knowledge of Microsoft’s Visual Studio are required to complete the tutorial.  To view this white paper, simply click here to complete the Tele Atlas DeveloperLink application.

Developing a Mapping Web Application
A step-by-step tutorial white paper showing how to develop an on-line map application hosted by deCarta’s map server.

This tutorial shows how to display, geocode to, and manipulate Tele Atlas maps through calls to deCarta’s API. It assumes no previous experience with digital mapping and explains how to set up a free developer account with deCarta. Some background in programming and web development is helpful. The tutorial is written in C#, but source code is also offered in Java and VB (see the included readme.txt files for details). The C# and VB samples require Visual Studio 2005 or Visual Studio Express 2005 (free for non-commercial use). The Java sample requires version 1.5 or newer of the Java SE. To view this white paper, simply click here to complete the Tele Atlas DeveloperLink application.

Trucking Logistics and ArcGIS
Using TeleAtlas Logistics within Network Analyst

This paper demonstrates how to use Tele Atlas Logistics with ArcGIS 9. It demonstrates how to create a route that takes into account trucking restrictions, including weight, height, vehicle class, and hazmat attributes. Required software: Tele Atlas Logistics product in ESRI Shape File Format, ArcGIS 9.2, 9.1, or 9.0. To view this white paper, simply click here to complete the Tele Atlas DeveloperLink application.

Source Code for a Windows Mobile Device Application
A step-by-step tutorial white paper showing how to develop a Pocket PC application that displays maps from deCarta's map server.
Complete C# source code shows how easily you can create an application that displays Tele Atlas maps and performs address lookups (geocoding) on a Pocket PC.  Requirements:

• Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 (not the Express edition)
• Microsoft .NET Compact Framework 2.0 SP2
• Microsoft ActiveSync 4.2 or 4.5 – OR -- Microsoft Virtual PC 2007
• Windows Mobile 5.0 SDK
• A free membership in deCarta’s Developer Zone to access Tele Atlas maps.

The code is based loosely on the white paper Developing a Mapping Web Application, so you may find it helpful to read the white paper and follow through its source code first.  Of course, you can always post any questions on our DeveloperLink forums.

An Introduction to Digital Mapping
A 40 minute presentation by Craig Wills of Infusion Development

Learn how Tele Atlas maps power leading navigation and mapping solutions from TomTom, RIM, ESRI, MapInfo, Wayfinder and others. The presentation includes:

• History and uses of digital maps
• How Tele Atlas maps are created and kept up to date
• The digital map pipeline: how Tele Atlas and its partners transform raw data to exciting consumer solutions
• Products and services available from Tele Atlas

View The Introduction to Digital Mapping webinar in .wav format
View The Introduction to Digital Mapping webinar in .avi format

To view this white paper, simply click here to complete the Tele Atlas DeveloperLink application.

Mapping Platform Alternatives and Considerations
A 40 minute presentation by Rob McGovern of Infusion Development.

Learn the basic principals and technologies behind mapping development platforms.  The presentation includes:

• An overview of a representative sampling of popular development platforms, including ESRI ArcIMS, Google Maps, MaqQuest and deCarta Drill Down Server.
• An examination of the similarity and differences between platforms in terms of features, integration, availability, and cost. 
• A discussion of the factors to consider in selecting a platform.
• Pointers to other popular platforms and resources.

If you have questions related to this webinar, please post them on our DeveloperLink discussion forum.  For a complete list of platforms utilizing Tele Atlas data, visit our Third Party Software page. (DeveloperLink login required)

View The Mapping Platform Alternatives and Considerations webinar in .wav format 

GPS and BlackBerry Maps Development Guide
How to build location based applications for the BlackBerry (DeveloperLink login required)

A Research In Motion document (see link above) that shows how to tap into a BlackBerry’s internal GPS (or an external GPS connected via JSR 179).   The Development Guide explains how to locate the device via cell-sites, assisted GPS, or autonomous GPS.  It also demonstrates how to launch BlackBerry Maps from your application and pull a location from a contact’s address or provide your own, custom location(s).  Sample code is included.

If you have questions related to this document, please post them on our DeveloperLink discussion forum.

Whitepaper on Non-Perspective, Variable-Scale Map Displays
The Use and Benefits of Non-Perspective, Variable-Scale Map Displays by Dr. Darrell Mathis, Tele Atlas Staff Scientist.

This paper explores the usefulness and technical aspects of variable-scale map displays that do not represent a single perspective.  It studies the limitations of angled-perspective views in navigation, and offers intriguing non-perspective alternatives.  Included are descriptions of implementing variable-scale maps through exponential, logarithmic, and "magnifying bubble" techniques.