HERE at 40: what’s next for the leader in location technology?

Remember a time when navigating meant unfolding a paper map or scribbling down directions, hoping you don't miss a turn or end up in the wrong part of town?

And then, as if overnight, technology swooped in and transformed how we move in the world. 

Today, thanks to advanced mapping solutions, we can move around unknown places with precision and stress-free.

Forty years later and HERE is still driven by the same passion—making navigation smarter, easier and more accessible for everyone.

With 5,930 patents under our belt, we continue to push boundaries to deliver smarter routing, detailed traffic insights, live mapping for autonomous vehicles and so much more.

But how did we get here?

Charting new frontiers

The HERE story begins in 1985 with an ambitious vision to revolutionize navigation using digital maps. Founders Barry Karlin and Galen Collins launched Karlin & Collins, Inc. in California, laying the foundation for a company centered on precision and usability.

In 1987, the brand evolved into NAVTEQ, introducing innovations such as printed driving guides. During the 1990s, the company created the first in-car navigation systems.

Then came 1996, when NAVTEQ secured its first patent for online route guidance, setting the stage for the turn-by-turn navigation systems we rely on today. By 1999, the company cemented its reputation for innovation by using GPS data to create highly accurate digital maps.

At the turn of the millennium, NAVTEQ was officially a leader in digital cartography.

Channeling curiosity

The early 2000s were a big turning point for the company.

After being acquired by Nokia, NAVTEQ grew its operations and could offer more products. By 2004, its map data was available on mobile devices, making navigation easier for everyone.

This is also when we secured a patent enabling users to report map errors directly from their devices—a tool that's now a regular feature in most mapping apps.

In 2011, HERE patented a method to use map data in video games, showing it could do more than just navigation.

A year later, the company changed its name to HERE, reflecting its new focus and strategy. This change reflected a new focus on innovative technology such as advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and real-time mapping.

Rising to the challenge

HERE took a big step forward in high-definition mapping in 2015 when BMW, Audi and Daimler acquired the company to support autonomous vehicle development. This move established HERE as a major player in the automotive industry, pushing progress in automated driving and navigation.

By 2018, HERE’s live-map technology was at the forefront of enabling advanced systems like Mercedes-Benz’s Drive Pilot, which allowed hands-free driving on certain roads. This milestone was a significant step toward making automation more accessible for both drivers and the businesses managing fleets and logistics.

HERE played a crucial role in the development of autonomous driving. By providing highly detailed, real-time mapping solutions that serve as the backbone for these systems, HERE is paving the way for safer, more reliable and scalable autonomous driving solutions.

Today, HERE stands as a leader in location technology, offering a comprehensive platform that powers navigation, transportation and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions across industries. Our advanced mapping capabilities include advanced real-time traffic data, electric vehicle (EV) routing and charging solutions, accurate route optimization and many more.

With a strong focus on innovation, HERE continues to collaborate with global partners to drive advancements in autonomous vehicle systems, supply chain optimization and fleet management, solidifying its position as a pioneer of mapping technologies.

Advancing by listening

At HERE, continuous innovation drives everything we do.

Our ever-expanding portfolio of patents reflects our commitment to staying ahead, creating smarter solutions like advanced routing, real-time traffic updates and live maps tailored for self-driving vehicles.

We’re constantly evolving to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world, setting the pace for advancements in automotive tech, mobility and shaping the future of location technology.

Our partnerships with industry leaders enable us to push boundaries and develop cutting-edge platforms, from software-driven vehicles to transformative city mobility solutions.

By combining bold ideas with collaborative efforts, we are constantly working towards turning groundbreaking technologies into reality and creating smarter, greener and more connected ways to navigate the world.

Earning trust at every turn

As we celebrate forty years of mapping the future, HERE remains committed to driving the future of location technology.

From autonomous driving systems and real-time mapping to connected driving and EV solutions, HERE is poised to lead the way in transforming how people and businesses navigate the world.

With a legacy built on precision, innovation and collaboration, as we step into our fifth decade, we remain driven, as always, by curiosity, innovation and connection.