NAVTEQ today announced the acquisition of PixelActive. Being a leading global provider of maps, traffic and location data enabling navigation, location-based services and mobile advertising worldwide, the acquisition will  improve and fast-track NAVTEQ’s shift from 2D to 3D maps, and subsequently, all of the NAVTEQ’s products to utilize 3D technology. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

“Future developments in navigation and other location-enabled solutions will rely heavily on 3D mapping capabilities,” said Cliff Fox, executive vice president, NAVTEQ Maps. “Putting this critical product architecture in place will provide a foundation for the rapid creation of 3D content and keep NAVTEQ on the forefront of the industry.”

PixelActive’s specialization lies modeling of detailed road networks, buildings and terrain via 3D technology. This is not the first time NAVTEQ has worked with PixelActive. The company used PixelActive’s Cityscape products in some of their offerings such as 3D Junction and 3D City Models, but this acquisition brings a more efficient and effective shift of product offerings to 3D. PixelActive founders Steve Rotenberg and Michael Kelley will stay in their respective positions in the R&D organization. PixelActive is based in California with 16 employees prior to acquisition.

Mapping is huge for location-based apps. Google and Microsoft are both ramping efforts around this.  There are a number of businesses looking to monetize location-based tools, which are centered around mapped orientation.  Google’s seeking ways to monetize this with location-based ads, even incorporating Google Goggles at an experimental level.  Microsoft has been very tactical in its location-based monetization as well.

Already this week we’ve seen related developments for location-based tools that utilize mapping, while a JiWire report indicates that location-based services will be a big part of consumers’ holiday shopping activities.