MalaysiaGIS.com

The Asean Communications and Multimedia 2000 exhibition showcased a number of Malaysian technology innovations.

Among them was the "Traveller Navigation Unit" (TNU), a PDA-type device with an integrated GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver, GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) modem and a GIS (geographic information system) map of Malaysia.

The TNU is just one component of the Intelligent Driver Advisor System (iDAS) being developed by Bokia (M) Sdn Bhd (www.bokia.net) under the Science, Technology and the Environment Ministry's Industry Grant Scheme.

The GIS map in the TNU was developed by Bokia and HMS Perunding Sdn Bhd. The user simply scrolls it before the TNU's rectangular colour touchscreen.

"On its own, the TNU can indicate the user's position or the position of buildings, other features and locations on the GIS map on its screen using positioning information received from a GPS satellite above," said Bokia project consultant Steven Teang.

When required, the TNU can use its GSM modem to call into iDAS' Traveller Navigation Server (TNSer), operated by HMS Perunding, via iDAS' WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) gateway to obtain the latest information on traffic jams, roads closed or flooded, weather and so on.

"By dialing in, the TNU can also access an application which traces the optimal route between two places on its onboard map, based on the above road conditions," said Alfred Kuan, Bokia chief engineer.

Being Windows CE-based, the TNU can also directly send and receive e-mail messages and access Web-based HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) content directly on the Internet through its GSM modem.

When required, users can upgrade onboard applications and maps by synchronising the TNU with upgrades downloaded to a PC.

iDAS, expected to be launched in the fourth quarter of next year, was designed as an open, modular system based on RDS-TMC ISO/TC industry standards, thus providing ample opportunities for third-party developers to develop applications and value-added services, Bokia claimed.

In its present form, the TNU is expected to appeal to retail customers, but Bokia believes it can be used in a variety of business and commercial applications, including freight forwarders, taxi and bus service operators, travel agencies, the hotel and insurance industries, mobile commerce, ticketing and sales force automation.

"iDAS also opens up ample opportunities for advertisers. With GSM global roaming, users will also be able to take advantage of value-added services in other countries," Kuan said.

Interested applications developers can call HMS Perunding project director, Lawrence Liew, at 03-77271706.