Tele Atlas, a provider of digital map databases and real-time traffic information in the United States announced that Coleman, the manufacturer of outdoor recreation products, has selected Tele Atlas as its map data provider for Coleman’s Outernet. Leveraging Tele Atlas’ turn-by-turn map data, Coleman’s Outernet offers an online mapping tool for outdoor travel and activity planning, making it easier for outdoor enthusiasts to explore trails and plan day hikes before leaving home. A recent Jupiter Consumer Report revealed that consuming and searching for local content is the fourth most popular online activity. The alliance between Tele Atlas and Coleman will extend the convenience of online information by enabling users to easily locate, route and display recreation sites.
With the Coleman Outernet, users will be able to find the location of more than 16,000 public and private campgrounds across the United States on highly accurate, detailed, full-color maps powered by Tele Atlas content and ESRI’s ArcIMS® and ArcSDE® server software. Users will save time and energy by being able to efficiently research travel destinations, routes, surrounding areas and attractions. Coleman “Field Experts” can also submit information and locations to be added to the recreation database. The Outernet uses Tele Atlas digital map data to provide real-time map displays of campground locations. ESRI’s ArcSDE is used to link the database of campground locations with ArcIMS, ArcIMS Route Server, and Tele Atlas digital map data. ArcIMS Route Server helps users to quickly obtain point-to-point directions, locate optimal routes based on time and distance, and account for multiple stops along the route. Consumers visiting the Outernet can get maps with driving instructions to various campsite locations anywhere in the continental United States. Users can find interesting locations by searching within a specified radius or by searching the type of activity they want to do. All locations are plotted by latitude or longitude, eliminating any geographic or bureaucratic barriers to finding a site. Users are given route manifests based on the shortest driving distance, eliminating unnecessary drive time caused by routes calculated by aerial distances alone.
