Exclusive: NAVTEQ to shut down developer network

Nokia-owned mapping firm NAVTEQ will shutter its ‘Network for Developers’ (NN4D) at the end of this week, in a move that may leave current users at a loose end, Mobile360 can reveal. According to a source, the network—which provides real-time mapping, location and traffic data for a number of mobile and web apps—will be shut down on Friday 20.

Asked to comment, a NAVTEQ spokesperson confirmed the situation:

Given the opportunities now provided under the larger banner of Nokia Location & Commerce, we are going to be sunsetting NN4D. We are in the process of sharing this information with our developers and partners, as well as of course providing them details on the platforms they will be able to access to continue the relationship moving forward.

NN4D currently boasts corporate partners including Oracle, deCarta and DigitalGlobe, and it is unclear what role they will play in any future project. The same goes for partners in the network’s educational program, which include Purdue, Notre Dame, the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign and the University of Nottingham in the UK.

Founded in 1985, NAVTEQ was acquired by Nokia in 2007 for $8.1bn and was integrated into the Finnish mobile giant’s Location & Commerce division in July last year. It continues to operate independently.