A mobile phone-based navigation system with potential for integration with vehicle scheduling has been launched by PTV, the German-based mapping and routing specialist.

It is implemented as an online service. The user enters a destination on the portable end device and sends the route request to the service centre, which then calculates offboard the best route, taking account of current traffic conditions, and transfers the information back to the mobile device. Voice instructions and arrow icons guide the driver to his destination.

Significantly, ptv says the system can be linked to services such as vehicle fleet applications. If required, the service centre can transfer orders or complete trip schedules combined with destination data