BOULDER, Colo., Aug. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Outdoor Intel today announced a strategic partnership with National Geographic Maps to develop and market a number of consumer products that will combine Fishing Hot Spots (FHS) mapping data with National Geographic Maps' TOPO! software platform.

The alliance was formed to develop and market leading-edge CD-ROMs for outdoor enthusiasts, as well as jointly explore other consumer products such as map-on-demand kiosks and Internet applications. As the exclusive source of FHS mapping data and fishing in digital form, Outdoor Intel (OI) will contribute data and product marketing and development assistance. National Geographic Maps (NG Maps), long known as one of the world's premier map makers, will develop co-branded applications using both existing and future software technologies, including their exclusive TOPO! mapping technology. Together, the three companies will develop a cooperative sales, distribution and marketing plan for these CD-ROMs and other potential mapping products, the first of which are scheduled to be announced in early 2002.

"In addition to a tremendous brand name and recognized leadership in the field, we are impressed with National Geographic Maps' use of technology, proven track record for delivering quality applications, focus on customer experience and vision for the future of digital map-based applications," said Rich Hoops, president and CEO, Outdoor Intel.

This strategic partnership will facilitate the development of products that combine NG Maps' TOPO! software and FHS fishing maps and information in digital form to provide freshwater anglers with leading-edge applications to enhance the fishing experience. NG Maps TOPO! software tools provide high-quality scans of the 1:24,000-scale USGS topographic maps -- the most detailed maps available for outdoor enthusiasts, hobbyists and professionals -- and integrate powerful yet easy-to-use tools to provide instant elevation profiles, real-time coordinates for GPS users, application support for both Palm and Pocket PC devices and extended capabilities for exploring, customizing and printing seamless topographic maps. FHS digital data from Outdoor Intel offers more than 350 maps of lakes, reservoirs and rivers throughout the U.S. and the Province of Ontario, Canada. Depth contours, structure, boat landings, marinas, flooded timber and weedbeds are just some of the features commonly shown.

"In concert with our commitment to promoting geographic awareness, we are excited to partner with Outdoor Intel for the integration of Fishing Hot Spots digital mapping and related data," said Matt Heller, vice president, Sales and Business Development, National Geographic Maps. "Both Fishing Hot Spots, the country's leading publisher of freshwater fishing maps, and Outdoor Intel clearly share our focus on quality and vision for the future," he added.

"Our relationship with Outdoor Intel continues to open new doors for us. We are very pleased to bring the Fishing Hot Spots name together with another recognized leader -- National Geographic Maps," said Mike Michalak, president, Fishing Hot Spots. "This alliance will provide for the development of products that are simply not available from any other single source."

About Outdoor Intel

Formed earlier this year, Outdoor Intel, LLC, is bringing maps and information for more then 350 bodies of water to new digital technologies and formats, providing anglers across the country with tools and information never before available. The exclusive source of digitized data from Fishing Hot Spots Inc., which boasts the nation's largest collection of freshwater maps and fishing information, Outdoor Intel is based in Boulder, Colo., and led by a seasoned management team with experience from leading technology companies. In order to help preserve our natural resources for generations to come, Outdoor Intel supports catch and release.

About National Geographic Maps

National Geographic Maps is a subsidiary of National Geographic Ventures, the wholly owned taxable subsidiary of the National Geographic Society. The National Geographic Society is the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organization. The 113-year-old Society reflects the world through magazines, books, maps, television and interactive media. National Geographic magazine, the official journal of the Society, has a circulation of about 10 million and is read in every country in the world. The National Geographic Channel is currently received by more than 100 million subscribers in 18 languages in 130 counties, including the U.S. where the National Geographic Channel launched in January 2001. The Society has funded more than 7,000 scientific research projects and supports an education program combating geographic illiteracy.

For further information, please contact Doyle Albee, ext. 106, [email protected], or Dale Jones, ext. 102, [email protected], both of Strategic Advantage Public Relations, +1-303-298-9630, for Outdoor Intel, LLC.