TomTom open sources location services with OpenLR

TomTom wants to spur developments of new location-based services

TomTom has announced it is releasing an open-source mapping tool that will allow a variety of information services to be added to basic mapping services.

Dubbed OpenLR, the application will be licensed under the Creative Commons framework for use by any vendor looking to add details such as traffic information and weather to basic mapping services. The company has called for other companies to help develop OpenLR as a common tool for all.

“This technological development is being introduced to the open-source community to assist in delivering location-based services to customers,” said Mark Gretton, TomTom's director of product engineering.

“TomTom will use this technology for its own services too, allowing us to transmit content such as HD Traffic to connected devices and improve service quality and coverage.”

The software will be open to developers royalty-free in the hope that it will stimulate a new generation of location-based software.