TomTom Maps Technology Intelligence

What is TomTom Maps?

TomTom Maps is a comprehensive mapping and location platform from TomTom, the Dutch navigation company known for automotive GPS devices. The TomTom Maps SDK provides developers with interactive maps, traffic data, routing services, and search functionality powered by TomTom's global map database.

Founded in 1991 and entering the consumer GPS market in 2004, TomTom has built extensive mapping expertise, particularly in automotive applications. Their Maps APIs leverage decades of navigation experience, real-time traffic data from millions of connected devices, and specialized features for fleet management and logistics. TomTom provides an alternative to Google Maps with competitive pricing and automotive-grade routing.

Key Features

Maps Display SDK

• Vector Maps: Smooth, customizable WebGL-based maps
• Map Styles: Multiple visual styles including night mode
• Traffic Layers: Real-time traffic flow and incidents
• Markers and Popups: Custom markers with information windows
• GeoJSON Support: Display custom geographic data

Routing API

• Route Calculation: Driving, walking, cycling, and truck routes
• Traffic-Aware: Routes considering real-time traffic
• Truck Routing: Vehicle-specific restrictions (weight, height, hazmat)
• Waypoints: Multi-stop route optimization
• Alternative Routes: Multiple route options

Search API

• Fuzzy Search: POI, address, and category search
• Geocoding: Address to coordinates conversion
• Reverse Geocoding: Coordinates to address
• Autocomplete: Search suggestions while typing

Traffic API

• Traffic Flow: Speed and congestion data
• Traffic Incidents: Accidents, roadwork, closures
• Historical Traffic: Patterns for route planning

Use Cases

Fleet Management

Logistics companies track vehicle fleets with real-time traffic data. TomTom's truck-specific routing handles vehicle restrictions, and traffic predictions optimize delivery schedules.

Delivery Applications

Last-mile delivery services calculate accurate ETAs using live traffic. Multi-stop route optimization reduces delivery times and fuel costs.

Automotive Integration

Connected car applications embed TomTom for in-vehicle navigation. The platform's automotive heritage provides reliable routing data trusted by major car manufacturers.

Location-Based Services

Apps needing reliable geocoding and search integrate TomTom as an alternative to Google's APIs. Competitive pricing benefits high-volume applications.

Real Estate

Property platforms display listings with traffic patterns and commute time calculations. Historical traffic data helps buyers understand rush-hour conditions.

Travel Planning

Travel applications calculate driving routes with accurate time estimates. POI search helps users find hotels, restaurants, and attractions along routes.

Implementation Examples

Basic Map Setup

<!-- TomTom Maps SDK -->
<link rel="stylesheet" href="https://api.tomtom.com/maps-sdk-for-web/cdn/6.x/6.25.0/maps/maps.css">
<script src="https://api.tomtom.com/maps-sdk-for-web/cdn/6.x/6.25.0/maps/maps-web.min.js"></script>

<div id="map" style="height: 400px;"></div>

<script>
const map = tt.map({
    key: 'YOUR_TOMTOM_API_KEY',
    container: 'map',
    center: [-122.4194, 37.7749],
    zoom: 12
});

const marker = new tt.Marker()
    .setLngLat([-122.4194, 37.7749])
    .addTo(map);

const popup = new tt.Popup({ offset: 30 })
    .setHTML('<h3>San Francisco</h3>');
marker.setPopup(popup);
</script>

Routing Request (PHP)

// Calculate route between two points
$apiKey = 'YOUR_TOMTOM_API_KEY';
$origin = '37.7749,-122.4194';
$destination = '34.0522,-118.2437';

$url = "https://api.tomtom.com/routing/1/calculateRoute/{$origin}:{$destination}/json?" . http_build_query([
    'key' => $apiKey,
    'traffic' => 'true',
    'travelMode' => 'car'
]);

$response = json_decode(file_get_contents($url), true);
$route = $response['routes'][0];

echo "Distance: " . ($route['summary']['lengthInMeters'] / 1000) . " km\n";
echo "Duration: " . ($route['summary']['travelTimeInSeconds'] / 60) . " minutes\n";
echo "Traffic delay: " . ($route['summary']['trafficDelayInSeconds'] / 60) . " minutes";

Search/Geocoding

// Search for POIs
tt.services.fuzzySearch({
    key: 'YOUR_API_KEY',
    query: 'coffee shop',
    center: { lat: 37.7749, lng: -122.4194 },
    radius: 5000
}).then(response => {
    response.results.forEach(result => {
        console.log(result.poi.name, result.address.freeformAddress);
        new tt.Marker()
            .setLngLat([result.position.lng, result.position.lat])
            .addTo(map);
    });
});

Traffic Layer

// Add traffic flow layer
map.on('load', () => {
    map.showTrafficFlow();
    map.showTrafficIncidents();
});

Pricing and Comparison

Pricing Model

• Free Tier: 2,500 transactions/day for maps, search, routing
• Pay-as-you-go: Competitive rates after free tier
• Maps Display: $0.50 per 1,000 transactions
• Routing: $0.50 per 1,000 transactions
• Search: $0.50 per 1,000 transactions
• Traffic: $0.75 per 1,000 transactions

Key Benefits

• Traffic Expertise: Real-time data from millions of devices
• Truck Routing: Industry-leading commercial vehicle routing
• Competitive Pricing: Often cheaper than Google Maps
• Automotive Heritage: Navigation expertise from GPS devices
• GDPR Compliant: European company with strong privacy focus
• Global Coverage: Comprehensive worldwide mapping

Comparison

• vs Google Maps: Better truck routing, competitive pricing, less ecosystem
• vs Mapbox: Different strengths—TomTom for routing, Mapbox for styling
• vs HERE: Similar automotive focus, comparable features

Best For

• Fleet and logistics applications
• Applications needing traffic data
• Truck and commercial vehicle routing
• European market applications (GDPR)
• Cost-conscious projects at scale