Nokia’s mapping unit, Here, announced plans to acquire Medio Systems, a US-based firm specialising in the emerging field of real-time predictive analytics.

Using Medio’s ‘smart data’ assets, Here reckons it can create contextual maps and location services that change according to the situation to provide highly personalised and predictive experiences for people and businesses.

Examples of how it might work in practice, said Here, are delivering individual restaurant recommendations to someone ready for lunch; giving drivers routes that match their driving style based on real-time conditions; or helping businesses personalise their customer offerings.

“We are entering the age of what I call cognitive mapping, in which maps will understand their environment and anticipate people’s intent in order to deliver interactive and smart location experiences,” said Michael Halbherr, CEO of Here.

“We plan to extend Medio’s talent and technology that analyses millions of connected devices and billions of interactions on the go to strengthen our ability to deliver highly personalised maps and location services for whatever people face throughout their day.”

The transaction, the terms of which are not disclosed, is expected to close by the end of July.

Following the acquisition, Here intends to share Medio’s technology with the other two businesses of the Nokia group – networks and technologies.