TeleCommunication Systems, global map provider strengthen agreement

TeleCommunication Systems Inc., an Annapolis-based mobile communication technology company, said Monday it deepened its relationship with a global map provider which supplies digital maps that underpin TCS's products.

TCS signed an expanded agreement with Tele Atlas, a subsidiary of TomTom N.V., based in The Netherlands, that will enable the company to use global maps to underpin location-enhanced applications for mobile communications. TCS, which has had a relationship with Tele Atlas since 1999, had previously only used the company's North American maps.

The maps that Tele Atlas supplies TCS enable the company to provide emergency 911 call services to municipalities, so agencies can locate wireless and Internet-based telephone customers in addition to those calling from landlines. Tele Atlas has map coverage of more than 200 countries.