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(A GPS receiver gathers pulsed signals from as many of the two dozen or so GPS satellites orbiting the earth as it can lock in. Using triangulation - by measuring and comparing the travel time of individual signals - the receiver calculates its position, and it's accurate to within twenty yards or so. )

Previously available for other handheld platforms, MapQuest Find ME lets users automatically determine their location, access maps and directions and locate nearby points of interest including airports, hotels, restaurants, banks and ATMs. MapQuest also adds some new functions to with this edition.

Users can now share their location with others— colleagues, friends and family members—as well as view the location of other users who have opted to join their private networks and set up alerts to be notified when network members arrive or depart from a designated area.

Today's development follows on another major mobile deal announced by MapQuest last week. The mapping specialist is working with the hardware navigation company TomTom on a Personal Navigation Device (PND) to provide motorists with detailed roadmaps and voice-guided directions (see MapQuest Takes Mobile Direction).

MapQuest CEO Austin Klahn says, "Location-based solutions are an important arena for MapQuest, and we are thrilled to introduce this exciting new group communication functionality to MapQuest Find Me."

"This development, along with the availability of MapQuest Find Me on the Blackberry 7520, will help us further meet our goal to deliver innovative, more intelligent mapping solutions to our users, wherever they may be," Klahn adds.

In addition to the new mobile MapQuest service, the Blackberry 7520 supports Nextel's walkie-talkie technology, along with the usual wireless e-mail, phone, organizer, Internet browser and corporate data application suspects. MapQuest Find Me aims to complement these applications with intelligent, location-aware maps and directions.

The BlackBerry 7520 sells for $200 after a $250 discount and with select Nextel service plans.