Microsoft integrates TomTom navigation data in car platform
Microsoft has integrated TomTom navigation data into its Connected Vehicle Platform. Car manufacturers can use this for analysis on which to base services. In addition, TomTom reports that it is conducting tests with a self-driving car.
The integration of the navigation data means that manufacturers of cars with the Microsoft Vehicle Platform can easily access data about navigation and driving behavior, which should help them develop services. In its own words, TomTom uses ‘privacy principles’ when granting access, without going into further detail about this. The data can be used, among other things, to better estimate the mileage range of electric cars. In addition, the data, which also includes traffic information and TomTom’s HD Maps, can be used for navigation apps and self-driving cars.
TomTom’s location-based services have been using Microsoft Azure since 2016. In February, the two companies announced that TomTom would become the primary data provider for Microsoft’s location services. This includes Azure Maps, Bing, Cortana, and Windows.
Microsoft’s Connected Vehicle Platform is used by manufacturers for digital connectivity for cars. The platform brings together different techniques to create a connection between vehicles and associated services. This can be used, for example, for diagnostics of car problems, navigation, and remote control of self-driving cars. In addition, the platform brings services from Microsoft to the car, such as Cortana, Office 365 and Skype.
This week TomTom also unveiled a self-driving test car. This vehicle is based on the Volvo XC90 and is used to improve the company’s autonomous driving techniques. The car contains eight laser scanners, six radars, and ‘stereo cameras’, with the laser scanners located under the headlights and under the blind spot mirrors. The radars are incorporated into the front and rear of the chassis. The cameras are located in the rear-view mirror and below the Volvo logo on the front of the car. The whole must provide a 360-degree image around the car, after which these images are compared with the current data from TomTom’s HD Maps. This allows the exact location of the vehicle to be measured.
TomTom will not introduce its own self-driving car, but will provide software and services that car manufacturers use when designing autonomous vehicles.