TomTom
Orbis Maps:
Open Standards,
Enterprise
Precision
Harnessing the power of open data with the precision of proprietary sources for accurate, fresher and interoperable maps
Introduction
Today's map-making landscape presents two main approaches: proprietary, and open data.
Proprietary maps
Open data maps
Proprietary maps, like TomTom MultiNet (Genesis) Maps,
Google Maps, and HERE Maps, deliver high-quality, curated data sourced from satellites, real-time sensors, proprietary sources and user input. These maps, developed by individual companies, remain closed-source, which limits customization,
collaboration, and innovation. Users are dependent on the provider to implement new features, and these maps' closed data models reduce interoperability with other systems,
narrowing their broader application potential.
Open data maps, sourced from community and corporate contributors, provide a flexible and cost-effective mapping solution. OpenStreetMap (OSM) exemplifies this, with its community-driven updates that offer local insights and rapid changes. OSM's self-healing model, where contributors identify and correct errors, often in their own backyard, helps maintain content accuracy. However, the decentralized approach can lead to inconsistencies in data definitions, and the limited automation of data intake may hinder update frequency in less active areas,
making OSM less compatible with machine learning and AI-based methods for generating and updating map data. These issues are not unique to OSM, as governments and organizations release more geospatial data, conflation and integration challenges persist due to variations in data formats, licensing, and the need for manual validation.
Both approaches have unique strengths, but they generally operate independently, making interoperability difficult.
Differing data standards, licensing issues, and technical limitations complicate the integration of data from multiple sources,
leading to duplicated efforts in creating, integrating, and managing map data. To address these challenges, an approach is needed that connects proprietary and open data to enable seamless interoperability.
Overture Maps Foundation
The Overture Maps Foundation, founded by TomTom, Microsoft,
Meta, and Amazon Web Services (AWS), addresses key
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