MapQuest To Continue Deal with TomTom

TomTom, the Dutch navigation and mapping company, has announced that it has expanded its deal with the GPS navigational software company MapQuest. The original deal, which was first struck in 2012 and has been extended since then, allows MapQuest to use TomTom’s extensive map database for its digital platforms. But this year, some additional things were added.

According to the press release, MapQuest, a subsidiary of AOL, has also brokered access to TomTom’s traffic information, leading speculation that MapQuest will soon be offering better traffic options. Currently, MapQuest already offers some traffic information for drivers, although it is not always accurate. However, this partnership may mean some big things for MapQuest.

Personally, and I am a little embarrassed to admit this, I didn’t actually even realize that MapQuest was still in operation. I have a TomTom GO and an Android smartphone so I either use Google Maps or my GPS device. I can’t even remember the last time I used MapQuest for directions somewhere. However, obviously the company is doing pretty well with its online software and apps. Upon seeing this press release I went to MapQuest.com and played around with it. While the interface is a little clunkier than Google Maps, it doesn’t actually look too bad. Of course, I still think GPS devices are better than smartphones, but it’s nice to know that Google hasn’t totally taken over everything.

It is worth noting that in this deal, MapQuest has sercured the right to use TomTom’s map and traffic data across all of its platforms—including its online site, iOS app, and Android app. I didn’t see any particular notes on what, exactly, MapQuest intends to do with the additional data, and the press release featured a boring quote talking about ‘innovative products and solutions’ and ‘continuing our commitment’ etc. Nothing noteworthy. However, if you wanted to take a look at the full press release, you can check it out here.