Comparison of database providers for car navigation systems

A car manufacturer needed to identify the best available database for the European market to provide accurate and reliable address information and points of interest (POI) in various European languages. We compared several providers in terms of data quality, coverage and availability. The analysis had to be done within a tight timeframe to ensure a smooth implementation.

Objective

The objective was to identify the best database that not only offered comprehensive coverage of European address and POI data, but also worked reliably in multiple languages. Differences in spelling, address formats and regional designations had to be taken into account. In addition, the reliability of the search function had to be tested to ensure that users received relevant results quickly and accurately. As the project was under great time pressure and internal resources were limited, a systematic and pragmatic testing approach was essential.

Our approach

Our team worked over three weeks with ten experts in shifts on two production-related test benches containing address and POI data from two different databases. These were compared with Google Maps as a benchmark. Based on systematically derived test cases, the search functionality was tested in various languages in addition to the data quality and coverage. Address data - complete, partially complete, incorrect, etc. - and POI data from various European countries and languages were tested. In addition, exploratory and increasingly experience-based testing was carried out.

The test results were evaluated daily and weekly using complex macros in Excel in order to identify trends and anomalies promptly. Close cooperation with the customer meant that adjustments could be made during the test phase to address specific requirements. The final test report contained an in-depth analysis with a well-founded recommendation for the optimal database selection.

Optimized decision making

The project provided a clear, data-based evaluation of the providers. The structured approach minimized uncertainties and accelerated the decision-making process. Thanks to our stringent methodology, the client was not only able to determine the best provider for their requirements and gain insights into the search function, but also received detailed insights into potential improvement measures for future developments.

We know our way around Navis and look forward to exchanging ideas.