Good synergy, if you're not too tired of trendy terminology, but that's what best describes DigitalGlobe and NAVTEQ announcing a new relationship aimed at providing better support to the thousands of software developers using NAVTEQ® map data who want to include high-resolution satellite and aerial imagery from DigitalGlobe in their applications. As part of this agreement,  DigitalGlobe becomes the latest member of the Partner Zone program on the NAVTEQ Network for Developers™ (NN4D) and will provide developers access to sample imagery free of charge for a limited term during the software development process. 

The NAVTEQ Network for Developers provides registered members with an assortment of valuable data and tools.  When developers join the free NN4D program, they benefit from NAVTEQ map data samples as well as industry-leading geospatial tools and data from DigitalGlobe and other Partner Zone companies for evaluation and development.  Additionally, the site offers comprehensive technical information, market information, developer forums, frequently asked questions and e-mail technical support provided by both NAVTEQ and DigitalGlobe experts.

As a member of NAVTEQ’s Partner Zone program, developers will have access to a variety of technical content from DigitalGlobe including whitepapers, user documentation, sample code, live and on-demand webinars, and a hosted discussion forum allowing developers to obtain a thorough understanding of how best to access DigitalGlobe’s collection of current and historical sub-meter earth imagery.  Through limited-term access to DigitalGlobe’s library during the development process, developers will have the ability to incorporate imagery into their applications during the development and testing process before purchasing a license for use when a new commercial application is launched.

  The agreement represents an extension of an existing, long-standing relationship between the two companies in which DigitalGlobe supplies imagery to NAVTEQ to aid in the map creation process in certain areas of the world. “Our Digital Map Organization has long utilized imagery from DigitalGlobe to supplement the sources used in creation of our maps in parts of the U.S. and the rest of the world,” said Marc Naddell, NAVTEQ’s vice president, partner and developer programs.  “This new agreement will help to meet the imagery needs of the growing population of software developers building all types of location-oriented applications from navigation and fleet management to public safety and supply-chain management systems to consumer mobile and online applications.”

  “NAVTEQ leads the market in the supply of map vector, routing, and location data to application developers worldwide,” said Marc Tremblay, senior vice president and general manager of DigitalGlobe’s commercial business, “As demand for high-resolution satellite and aerial imagery continues to grow, it became obvious that DigitalGlobe needed to be an active, contributing member of NAVTEQ’s developer community.  We are very happy to be a part of this invaluable resource for location-based application developers.” To visit the DigitalGlobe Partner Zone on the NAVTEQ Network for Developers go to.