TomTom has announced the introduction of a new route planner that will be accessible via
http://routes.tomtom.com. The free web based Route Planner allows users to easily pre-plan a route and obtain precise travel and arrival times before setting off on their journey. In addition, it incorporates all TomTom's knowledge and experience in planning the best routes at all times. In this first phase, the TomTom online Route Planner will be accessible for a selected group of users taking part in a closed test programme (BETA test programme) starting this week.
In a world first, the TomTom online Route Planner gives users door-to-door route planning options to any address, taking into account real-time and historic information on traffic flows throughout the day. It uniquely incorporates dynamic traffic information (through HD Traffic™*) as well 500 billion historic speed profiles of roads across the world (through IQ Routes). This allows users to pre-plan their routes based on facts, rather than estimates, resulting in very precise travel time predictions. In addition, map corrections that are made by TomTom users through Map Share™ are regularly uploaded to the Route Planner, so users always have access to the most accurate routes based on the latest map information.
"The introduction of the online Route Planner marks an important step in our strategy to make our award-winning navigation available for all users, regardless of the platform that is used", says Harold Goddijn, TomTom's Chief Executive Officer. "Users that 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 better than ever before".
Depending on the success and feedback of the BETA version, the online Route Planner will gradually be rolled to users worldwide. The route planner is currently available in six languages including Dutch, English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.
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Posted on: December 19, 2008 - 13:46 hour
By:
anchor
Having tried the beta, it is good.
However, the
big disadvantage is that I can see no way to save the route as an itn file, for transfer to my TomTom.
Posted on: December 19, 2008 - 15:28 hour
By:
gadget_sa
QUOTE (anchor @ Dec 19 2008, 12:46) 
Having tried the beta, it is good.
However, the
big disadvantage is that I can see no way to save the route as an itn file, for transfer to my TomTom.
Not quite the full route - but a workaround!!
Can I send route information to my TomTom device?Yes, you can send either the start or the destination of a route to your TomTom navigation device.
Note: The map on your navigation device must cover the area of the location that you are sending to your device.
Make sure that your navigation device is connected to your computer. After planning a route, do the following:
Click on a start or finish flag on the map and a balloon will appear.
Click Add to TomTom.
If installed, TomTom HOME starts on your computer and you are asked what you want to do with the location when it reaches your TomTom navigation device.
You can choose to show the location on the map, navigate to the location or add it to your Favourites.
If you choose to navigate to the location, your device may calculate a different route to that of the Route Planner due to differences in map version, Map Share downloads and IQ Routes™.
Can I send locations to my TomTom device?Yes, you can. Make sure that your navigation device is connected to your computer. After finding a location, do the following:
Click the pushpin on the map and a balloon will appear.
Click Add to TomTom.
If installed, TomTom HOME starts on your computer and you are asked what you want to do with your location when it reaches your TomTom navigation device.
You can choose to show the location on the map, navigate to the location or add it to your Favourites
Posted on: December 20, 2008 - 14:28 hour
By:
anchor
Thank you for your reply.
However, to be honest I cannot see it much, if any, different to just planning a route in the TomTom in the normal way.
The method you describe ignores IQ routes and latest map-shares. What a shame that you cannot save it as an itn file, which would be really useful.
Perhaps when they have it fully up and running, it will be possible, for a fee!.
Posted on: December 20, 2008 - 15:03 hour
By:
gadget_sa
I agree Anchor, but like you say, as it's a Beta version they have a lot more to do to make it a useful tool
Posted on: December 22, 2008 - 11:18 hour
By:
The Vet
Tried it myself and yes I liked it.
It will be nice to be able to drag and change the route on the map (google map).
The Vet
Posted on: December 22, 2008 - 12:07 hour
By:
Holdfast
Good point "Vet" have you sent your thoughts on the Beta version to TT. I would like to see the ability to create multiple way points and to be able to transfer them to my PND.
I see there are still some members who feel the need to be able to transfer a route created on the planner to PND's. I still feel as I did in an earlier thread on this subject, "Why" , if you could create a route on the planner and transfer it to the PND it's going to become outdated within minutes should a RTC or slow moving traffic occur. Or is it that some may see this as a way of avoiding subscription to Traffic, either way the route planned on Route Planner is good up to the time you switch your PC off.
One thought though, I wonder if it will be possible to access Route Planner on an Internet enabled mobile phone like a Blackberry
Posted on: December 22, 2008 - 13:58 hour
By:
gadget_sa
QUOTE (Holdfast @ Dec 22 2008, 11:07)
I see there are still some members who feel the need to be able to transfer a route created on the planner to PND's. I still feel as I did in an earlier thread on this subject, "Why" , if you could create a route on the planner and transfer it to the PND it's going to become outdated within minutes should a RTC or slow moving traffic occur. Or is it that some may see this as a way of avoiding subscription to Traffic, either way the route planned on Route Planner is good up to the time you switch your PC off. The reason to be able to create and transfer a route to a PND is simply because you can sit at a full size screen to plan the route and then transfer it... obviously its going to route you the best way for that moment in time... and this might not be the best route for you if there are traffic issues.
Like you say, if it was to avoid paying traffic costs, then it's pointless becuase that could/would change as soon as you set off on your route.. I don't think people are that naive.
If they have the subscription, as soon as they turn on their nav they can do an update.
QUOTE (Holdfast @ Dec 22 2008, 11:07)
One thought though, I wonder if it will be possible to access Route Planner on an Internet enabled mobile phone like a Blackberry
Works on the iPhone!
Posted on: December 22, 2008 - 14:47 hour
By:
Holdfast
I take your point Gadget_sa, I think it's a case of whatever way of planning a journey works for the individual. I do think the idea of creating multiple way points may be a way of bridging the gap between the way people use Route Planner.
If viewed as a Route Planner and compared with other systems, Google etc, I do think it's almost on a par with the best providing they include a number of other features such as Satellite views.
Nice to see it can be used on iPhone, I will hold back on my Blackberry for the time being as I use Google Maps for satellite imagery
Posted on: December 23, 2008 - 06:36 hour
By:
nharrisn
Posted on: December 23, 2008 - 18:03 hour
By:
anchor
I use both TYRE and MS Autoroute to create my routes with way-points. The former will convert the route directly to an itn file.
This is also possible using MS Autoroute, by converting the file created by Autoroute to an itn using ITNConv.exe.
It would have been nice if one could use the TomTom planner to do this too. I appreciate traffic conditions constantly vary, but the planner does take into account what is typical at various times of day.
In my opinion, in its present state it is something and nothing.
Posted on: December 24, 2008 - 10:01 hour
By:
Mate
Try entering your destination as - Eastern Docks, Dover and see where it takes you.
Posted on: December 24, 2008 - 16:09 hour
By:
anchor
QUOTE (Mate @ Dec 24 2008, 09:01)
Try entering your destination as - Eastern Docks, Dover and see where it takes you.
Just done that; no problem, nothing unusual. It exactly followed the route I would normally take.
Posted on: December 24, 2008 - 17:12 hour
By:
s70rmp
took me to a completely different destinantion !
Posted on: December 24, 2008 - 18:29 hour
By:
Malcolm
Leave the comma off between ..Docks and Dover
15-03
