How Sygic navigation solutions use TomTom map and traffic data to show drivers the way

When it comes to delivering map and traffic data, what is a great collaboration built on? We sat down with leading navigation provider Sygic to discuss their partnership with TomTom.

In conversation with Sygic

I recently had an opportunity to sit down with Erika Gogh, Procurement Specialist, Martin Hornacek, Head of Maps, Michaela Beladicova, Marcom Specialist, and Marek Lelovic, Global PR and Brand Communication Manager to learn why Sygic uses TomTom map and traffic data to power their navigation solutions. Read our conversation below.

Who is Sygic? Where did the company get its start?

Since 2004, Sygic has been disrupting the navigation market through its vision, passion and never-ending hunger for innovation. We started from scratch as a small business of a few talented individuals developing a platform-independent navigation app for operating systems: Symbian, Linux and Windows Mobile. Our real breakthrough came with the release of the first Apple iPhone. Sygic GPS Navigation was the first navigation solution on that platform and quickly became a hit, thanks to its accurate routing algorithms, fresh user interface and ease of use.

But we didn’t stop there. It’s simply not in our DNA. Our initial success made us work that much harder. Sygic was among the first navigation solutions for Android and in 2014 we were the first to support the innovative MirrorLink smartphone through in-dash connectivity. Currently, Sygic is the only company that supports all standards, including Apple CarPlay and Smart Device Link (SDL).

Thanks to hard work, persistence and passion, today we are trusted by more than 200 million casual drivers, two million truck drivers and 2,000 fleets in almost every country around the world. Over 15 years our clients have driven over 400 billion kilometers with us.

Sygic’s navigation solutions use TomTom map and traffic data.

What products do you offer?

Sygic proudly challenges the entire navigation market by employing innovative solutions and technologies like: Head-Up Display, Predictive Routing, Real-View Navigation (also known as augmented reality) and Traffic Lights Countdown Timer, awarded the Top Innovation by Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the organizer of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

What were the most important factors in deciding on the use of TomTom map and traffic data?

We selected TomTom as our map and traffic data provider because the company was more open to exploring new business models, giving us the opportunity to cooperate with them and to grow. We also find TomTom technology to be first-rate in scope, depth and accuracy.

TomTom is our trusted partner, helping us to leverage our strengths and fully supporting our innovation journey.

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We find TomTom technology to be first-rate in scope, depth and accuracy.

Erika Gogh, Martin Hornacek, Michaela Beladicova, Marek Lelovic

Sygic

As you started to scale your location solution, what TomTom location services did you use?

We started with MultiNet NAV in GDF format, and then we switched to the MultiNet format. Early on, we only used core products, but over time, we have integrated almost every TomTom product. Today we use TomTom MultiNet and MultiNet-R map data and TomTom live services including traffic. Our goal is to provide users with the very best map and navigation experience. We also want to ensure the broadest possible range of demand in this segment.

What has been your experience using TomTom data?

All TomTom products are clearly and very well documented, but what we appreciate most is TomTom’s technical support. Their expertise and in-depth knowledge were significant in our product migration process. Everything is better when you know there is a friend on your side.

What’s the next big thing for Sygic? What’s the goal for the near and far future?

We believe that commercial transportation still lacks proper and comprehensive digital tools. The truck and logistics businesses form the origin of our company and are embedded in our DNA.

A few years ago, we had a vision to help all truckers as they help each other. We aimed to provide them with a tool, not just for navigating, but also for collaborating and crowdsourcing of important information. Working with our extensive trucker community of more than 25,000 members, we produced a fun, gamified easy-to-use app for truckers. This simple ‘stock’ app has now evolved into a complex ecosystem exponentially finding its place among dispatchers, owners, shippers and those involved in commercial transportation.

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TomTom is our trusted partner, helping us to leverage our strengths and fully supporting our innovation journey.

Erika Gogh, Martin Hornacek, Michaela Beladicova, Marek Lelovic

Sygic

Is there anything else you would like our readers to know?

Sygic is proud of our heritage. We started as a small navigation solution provider focused on Europe. We’ve now blossomed into a worldwide brand with a strong reputation as a leading navigation provider.

Born in 2004, Sygic released the world’s first navigation for iPhones in 2009. In 2017, the bestselling app had already reached 200 million downloads globally. In 2019, the Traffic Lights add-on for Sygic GPS Navigation was honored by the organizer of CES, the Consumer Technology Association.