TomTom Announces ‘Navigation for Automotive' a Cloud-based Solution for Automakers

author: FutureCar Staff    

TomTom's new cloud-based Navigation for Automotive can be integrated into any vehicle.

Location and mapping company TomTom announced today its new TomTom Navigation for Automotive, a cloud-native hybrid navigation solution developed for the automotive industry. The system takes advantage of the latest advances in cloud-computing to offer more capabilities. 

Since its cloud-based, TomTom's Navigation for Automotive offers fast and up-to-date routing, search, and maps that are always up to date, while still offering a fully functional offline mode when there is no data connection available. In areas of limited data coverage, the system automatically switches to its onboard software and maps.

"With cloud delivery at the heart of the new TomTom Navigation for Automotive, we have combined the safety and comfort of an in-dash system with the always up-to-date and super-fast experience of a smartphone app," said Antoine Saucier, Managing Director, TomTom Automotive.

The system is also designed to be easy to use, which can help reduce driver distraction. 

The intuitive interface can be displayed in the instrument cluster, center screen, head-up display (HUD) or passenger screens in different sizes or aspect ratios, giving automakers options for integrating it into different vehicle models. 

Turn-by-turn navigation instructions or traffic and hazard warnings can be projected on the vehicle's HUD or cluster screen, which helps drivers keep their eyes on the road ahead. The driver can also interact directly with TomTom's navigation via easy-to-use voice assistance such as Amazon Alexa.

Another major advantage is that TomTom's navigation system can be integrated with vehicle sensors, enabling it to display vital information linked to advanced driver assistance systems including and refueling or recharging needs. 

Dynamic range mapping can help drivers visualize their vehicle's range, which is especially important for electric vehicles. For example, drivers of EVs can receive messages in the vehicle's display when their battery has a specified level of charge, since Navigation for Automotive can connect to other vehicle sensors.

If the predicted range is insufficient to make it to the selected destination, the driver is alerted to a nearby charging location along the route that's within range. Once a driver selects a charging location, it's added as a waypoint to the driver's destination.

"We continue to strive for safer roads, easier driving and cleaner air. TomTom's new full-stack in-dash navigation is ready today to harness the capabilities of the automated and electric vehicles of tomorrow," said Saucier.

The adaptable user interface can be easily integrated into any in-vehicle infotainment system, according to Tom Tom. Vehicle integration was already demonstrated by multiple leading tier one suppliers. The adaptable navigation solution can work with multiple vehicle brands and types, as well as anywhere in the world.

 TomTom's Navigation for Automotive is designed for developers. The solution is offered as a single pre-integrated stack via easy-to-use software development kits (SDKs) and application program interfaces (APIs).

FutureCar Staff