A few weeks back I posted a call for Frequently Asked Questions about TomTom’s new Map Share technology. I forwarded your questions to our team of Map Content Specialists and they were kind enough to share their insight into MapShare now that it’s a few months old.
Unfortunately we weren’t able to answer all of your questions, and a lot of the ones we received were quite similar so we’ve lumped some together.
Enjoy! And don’t hesitate to keep the questions coming.
Q: So, I’ve shared my map update with the MapShare community. What happens then? How does it make it to other TomTom Map Share users?
A: The simple explanation is our map content specialists receive the edit shortly after it’s reported. They then use a sophisticated process of verification to determine the precise location and validity of the edit. If they can verify it, they endorse the edit and it’s released to the community. If they can’t verify, it’s not released but it’s maintained in our database for potential further review.
Q: Which POIs are most often added?
A: Top 2 are Krispy Kreme and The Home Depot.
Q: Will TomTom Map Share reflect road changes such as the I-35W bridge collapse in Minneapolis?
A: Absolutely. In fact, that particular road change was submitted to us by numerous users via Map Share shortly after it happened. And that’s a great example of the true crowdsourcing power of this technology.
Q: Do TomTom’s Map Content Specialists have TomToms of their own so they can quickly identify and correct road errors they come across?
A: Of course they do!
Q: What will prevent someone from sabotaging your map data through bogus reports?
A: This was a concern voiced by a lot of people before the program went live. We’re happy to report that fraudulent reports are very very low and map content specialists are always working to ensure that no incorrect edits are released to the community.
The key will be to examine the number of corrections coming in, and most importantly, the consistency and lack of contradictory reports. We will also be able to block users who attempt to abuse the system.
Q: I’ve applied a map error and uploaded it through HOME. How long will it take before others (who’ve appropriately set their map correction preferences) are able to download those corrections?
A: This all depends on how long it takes to verify the user’s change. However, once TomTom map specialists have verified and endorsed the change, it’s immediately released to the Map Share community.
Q: If tons and tons of people start participating and adding new POIs, couldn’t I theoretically get millions and millions of more POIs added to my device? Would a limit ever be placed on how many new POIs I can get?
A: Yes. The number of POIs on your device is limited by the Navcore application. However, the additions/substractions/changes you’re downloading via HOME are very very small.
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I have following question.
If I buy a TomTom in the US and then take it to Europe, then can I simply download maps for Europe and use it there? Is there any cost for these additional map downloads and, if any, how much?
Thanks
- Raj
Raj, you can definitely download additional maps of Europe for
your TomTom with preloaded US maps. There is a cost for new maps.
I’ve made a correction on my GO 730, it was a road that was missing. I uploaded it through mapshare, how long does it take to verify and make availible to users?
I am in the market to upgrade. The thing I didn’t like about my old GPS was how fast the map updates were discontinued for that model. If I purchased one of your models how long could I expect to be able to get the latest and greatest changes to maps? I like all the nice new technology everyone has thrown in, but at the end of the day I just want to get where I am going without getting lost.
Hi Jerry,
Map edits are available everyday for free via TomTom MapShare. New versions of our complete map sets from TeleAtlas are distributed quarterly. Good luck in your search. For help finding the right device, check out our convenient gift guide at http://www.tomtom.com/giftguide
I cannot use my GO 910 with mapshare, even though it says I can. But when I try to install it or go to the site or whatever, it gives an error message.
on updates (map edits) and Mapshare:
I submitted several missing left turns onto main roads in my area. Although it’s my understanding that they have been fixed in newer maps, they have never been updated/corrected using Mapshare. I’ve had TT over 1 year.
I have a GO 300. Can I buy an update from tomtom or do I really need to buy a new GPS. I’m just interested in getting from point A to point B. Also it would be helpful to have the addresses for the new housing developments.