Xata adds enhanced mapping capabilities to Xatanet

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Xata Corp. announced it will add improved digital mapping software to its Xatanet on-demand fleet operations software. The company says the upgraded mapping software will provide Xatanet end-users with more high-quality data, including larger and more dynamic maps, to help better track exact vehicle location and improve route details. Available in November 2008, the enhanced mapping capability is part of the Xatanet 4.3 release.

Xata says it will deliver these improved capabilities by leveraging Microsoft Virtual Earth maps, which gives Xatanet customers a host of additional maps for vehicle tracking and provides additional geographic tracking capabilities for fleet operators. According to the company, Microsoft Virtual Earth also pulls geographic data directly from the Web for up-to-the-minute vehicle tracking, ensuring that customers have instant access to the most updated data on their vehicles.

“We ensure our products and services use the most advanced technology available because we know it makes a difference to our customers,” says Tom Flies, senior vice president of product management for Minneapolis-based Xata Corp. “With Xatanet 4.3, we are delivering more intelligent mapping capabilities, which translates to increased fleet visibility and cost savings for all of our customers.”

Xatanet 4.3 includes a new mapping user-interface designed to provide enhanced ease-of-use benefits, such as keyboard shortcuts and real-time map updates. According to Xata, mapping enhancement highlights include:

  • Draggable maps, which enable users to quickly pan and see a broader view of the highlighted geographical area, giving an enhanced view of a vehicle’s location;
  • Increased customization, which allows users to include information specific to delivery routes;
  • Increased map visibility, with the ability to show road detail, aerial photographs or both;
  • Improved GPS positioning controls for more accurate delivery and pickup location information; and
  • Increased capacity to handle more data points and more accurate map details.