Relational Data Format (RDF™)

RDF is a new delivery format enabling customers to directly load NAVTEQ® data into a relational database environment. RDF publishes NAVTEQ data in an easy-to-understand and well-defined relational structure.

RDF combines various NAVTEQ data sources into a single repository and presents it in a seamless relational format. The content is delivered to RDF customers via DVD media with database installation scripts.

RDF Format

Target Developer Profiles and Business Markets

Developers with the following profiles will receive great value from RDF:

  • Developers converting NAVTEQ data using a relational database – NAVTEQ customers with a relational database-based conversion process will benefit directly from using RDF.
  • Content integrators – Developers that integrate third-party data in addition to NAVTEQ data will find it easier to integrate data with RDF.
  • Multiplatform vendors – Developers that have both media-based solutions and server-based solutions or a variety of media-based solutions will find it easier to support them through RDF.

Markets and application categories that lend themselves to using RDF include:

  • In-Vehicle Markets System Vendors – Vendors wishing to establish a common database for multiple platforms and offerings can do so more easily with RDF than with traditional formats.
  • Consumer Markets
    • Service Providers:  Integration of third-party content is simplified through the use of relational technology.
    • Independent Software Vendors (ISVs):  ISVs wishing to custom-compile databases can do so far more quickly and easily using RDF.
  • Enterprise Markets – RDF is well suited for fleet applications in which integration with other data sources is a requirement.

Benefits of RDF

Using RDF can benefit developers at multiple levels:

Traditional Compilation

  • Significant upfront development work is required prior to working with map data.
  • Development and maintenance and of data loader (GDF/SIF+) for NAVTEQ data are required.
  • Look-aside content integration is required.
  • Stitching of data into seamless database is required.
  • Continental data integrity needs to be validated by customer.

RDF-Accelerated Data Compilation

  • With commercially available relational databases, developers can directly start working with NAVTEQ data.
  • NAVTEQ data can be loaded directly into RDF database, always up-to-date with latest NAVTEQ data content.
  • Look-aside content can be integrated into RDF.
  • RDF is delivered as a seamless product.
  • Data are validated by NAVTEQ, as part of RDF release process, on continental level.
  • Data conversion can focus on contents, no overhead for database management tasks.

The key benefits of RDF are acceleration of the product development life cycle and reduction of the associated costs, because the number of steps is reduced and the processes for loading, compiling, integrating, and using/visualizing map data are simplified. For more technical information or questions about the RDF data format, content, and representation, contact a Technical Customer Support representative in our discussion forums.