telematics
tel-uh-MAT-iks
/ˌtɛləˈmætɪks/
The branch of information technology that deals with the long-distance transmission of computerized information, especially regarding vehicles.
It combines telecommunications and informatics (computing).
The story behind the word. Coined in a 1978 report to the French government (the Nora-Minc report), it was a portmanteau of 'telecommunications' and 'informatics.' It predicted the marriage of computers and phone lines.
Word relationships
- vehicle tracking: Tracking is just one function of telematics; telematics also includes diagnostics and communication.
Commonly confused with
- telemetry: Telemetry is the measurement of data from a distance; telematics is the broader field of sending and managing that data.
Word family
- telematic (adjective): Relating to telematics.
Collocations
- vehicle telematics
- telematics data
- telematics provider
Example sentences
- "Telematics is the future of fleet management, allowing companies to track fuel usage and driver behavior in real-time." Fleet management.
- "Modern telematics systems can automatically alert emergency services and provide the vehicle's exact location after a crash." Safety technology.
Memory hook
Tele- (distance) + Informatics (data) = Telematics. Telematics = Talking cars.
When not to use
Don't use it for simple GPS navigation; telematics involves the sending of data back to a server (like for fleet tracking).
Fun facts
- Insurance companies use telematics 'black boxes' to give discounts to safe drivers.
- The first consumer telematics system was GM's 'OnStar,' launched in 1996.
Related words
Explore more words
telemetry, telecommute, cybernetic, Digital, telecast, avionics
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