Yesterday a press release from Dutch mapmaker TeleAtlas announced a five-year mapshare agreement deal with Google that "spans Google's current and future map-based services and navigation offerings across mobile, online and desktop environments," and includes Google Maps, Google Earth and mobile applications of Google Maps. "The agreement also gives TeleAtlas access to edits for its maps from Google's community of users."

Digital Trends and others have noted, "the agreement will be an unusual two-way exchange." while Washington Post explains, "Up until now, the deal between Google Maps and its data providers has been a one-way street. … As part of the new pact, Tele Atlas will have access to edits made by Google Maps community to update the underlying maps."

PC World positively anticipates TeleAtlas' involvement in Google's Maps. "It's possible now that by sharing the edited maps between TomTom and Google maps it could create the most accurate road maps around."

The scope of this pairing is still unknown, but could be significant given TomTom's recent acquisition of TeleAtlas maps, as well as the release of a new iPhone next week with GPS capabilities. iPhones will offer navigation services through Google Maps.

Check back for further updates on the consolidating GPS navigation market. In the meantime, check out which TomTom navs (complete with Google and TeleAtlas maps) are favorites among reviewers in U.S. News' navigation system buying guide.

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