TomTom launches free web route planner

 

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By Barry Collins

Posted on 4 Dec 2008 at 08:54

Sat-nav device maker TomTom is launching a free online route planner.

The route planner will take advantage of live traffic data - including TomTom's recently launched HD traffic, which takes feedback from devices currently out on the road - to plot the swiftest journey from A-to-B.

The web-based planner will also plot different routes depending on the day and time of the journey, based on average road speed data collected by TomTom. A journey across London during rush hour, for example, will take advantage of quieter back streets, whilst the same journey on a Sunday morning is more likely to take major roads across the city.

The website's maps will be updated every day, based on the MapShare technology implemented in recent TomTom devices, which allows users to mark changes to road layouts on their device.

The Route Planner will be a free service, but is currently only open to a closed group of beta testers.

The company is clearly hoping that those who haven't already invested in a sat nav device will be more inclined to pick TomTom after using the service. "Users who do not have a navigation device can now also benefit from our high-quality routing before starting their journey, giving them a chance to plan their day more efficiently than ever before," says CEO Harold Goddijn.

The route planner might also tempt existing TomTom owners to upgrade their devices to subscription services such as HD Traffic.

You can apply to join the TomTom route planner beta here.