TomTom joins the OpenStreetMap Foundation as its first Platinum Member
Snigdha Bansal·Mar 16, 2023

TomTom joins the OpenStreetMap Foundation as its first Platinum Member

Snigdha Bansal
Staff writer
Mar 16, 2023 · 3 min read
TomTom joins the OpenStreetMap Foundation | TomTom Newsroom

TomTom recently announced that it’s supporting the OpenStreetMap Foundation (OSMF) as a Platinum Member. Last year, the geolocation company explained the instrumental role that OpenStreetMap (OSM) data is playing in its efforts to build the smartest map on the planet via the TomTom Orbis Maps. Its latest move further affirms the company’s commitment to the global OSM project.

TomTom is contributing €20,000 to the OSMF as the first corporate OSM member to join the foundation at the Platinum level.  

The OSMF is a not-for-profit organization that supports the OSM project in various ways, such as by running the OSM infrastructure and raising funds, as well as communicating with OSM working groups.  

With this annual contribution to the foundation, TomTom is providing direct financial support to OSM’s operations and infrastructure, including hardware, cloud costs and engineering hours. 

“We are delighted to announce that TomTom is joining us as our first Platinum tier corporate member. Its contribution is essential to accompany the growth and ensure the long-term sustainability of the world's largest crowdsourced geospatial project,” says Guillaume Rischard, Chairman of the OSMF Board.  

In November 2022, TomTom announced that data from open-source projects such as OSM will be one of the super sources that power its Orbis Maps. Around that time, it also announced its support to another important open-source geospatial project, MapLibre.  

The company believes that supporting the OSMF is a great way to share back with the OSM community.  

Many well-known tech companies are already corporate members of the OSMF. While the likes of Microsoft and Meta are Gold Members, mobility company Bolt and spatial technology specialist Locana are on the Silver tier. 

As part of being a Platinum Member, Shaundrea Kenyon, Director of the Community and Partnerships team in TomTom's Maps unit, has taken a seat on the OSMF Advisory Board. She joins representatives of established local OSMF chapters and other corporate members on the board. 

“Being part of the Advisory Board will help TomTom get to know the OSM project at an even deeper level. It will give us a closer look at the needs of the community and help us understand how we can best support fellow mapmakers, whether it’s financially or by sharing resources and expertise,” says Kenyon. 

Kenyon said that TomTom is trying to be a model corporate partner by engaging with various local mapping communities. It’s trying to build new OSM communities too, by encouraging budding editors in countries like Brazil and India to join the OSM project. 

TomTom is also a regular sponsor of OSM’s conferences, the OSM Belgium local community and several other OSM communities. 

“We are grateful for TomTom's unwavering support of OpenStreetMap, which extends beyond financial contributions — it actively participates in working groups, the advisory board and local OpenStreetMap communities,” Rischard adds. 

“TomTom's recognition of the importance of the OpenStreetMap data it uses is a testament to the value our project provides. We hope this inspires other corporate partners to join as members to support OpenStreetMap." 

Felix Faassen, TomTom's Open Source Program Manager, believes that TomTom’s platinum membership is another step the company is taking to give back to the OSM initiative. 

“I think every company that uses OSM data and open source software in its products, including TomTom, has a moral responsibility to support the health and sustainability of the vital infrastructure and communities powering the world’s largest peer-produced geospatial project. And this is another small but important step towards fulfilling that,” he says.

People also read

Super sources power TomTom's new map. But what are they? | TomTom Newsroom
behind the map

Super sources will power the 'smartest map on the planet.' But what are they?

Earlier this month, TomTom lifted the lid on its game-changing approach to build a new mapping and geolocation data ecosystem, the TomTom Orbis Maps. Data will be key to its success, and while the company already has more than 30 years’ worth of global location data, it’s not resting on its laurels. The Dutch mapmaker is instead taking data sourcing to new heights with what it calls “super sources.” But what are they?
Nov 09, 2022·15 mins read
The future of mapmaking - TomTom Orbis Maps | TomTom Newsroom
behind the map

The world needs a better map: TomTom is making it with its new Orbis Maps and ecosystem

Today, at its investor meeting, TomTom made one of the most significant announcements in its 30-year history. The geolocation tech specialist and mapmaking company is launching a new map, mapping platform and ecosystem, which the company is collectively calling the TomTom Orbis Maps. TomTom says it will set a new standard for mapmaking, one designed to support a future of innovative location-based tech and will lay the foundation for industry-wide open collaboration.
Nov 02, 2022·11 mins read
TomTom Begins Supporting MapLibre with $10,000 Donation | TomTom Newsroom
news

TomTom begins supporting MapLibre with $10,000 donation

Earlier this week, TomTom announced its goal to build the smartest map on the planet and outlined how its new Orbis Maps that will help it get there. Part of the company's new strategy involves using OpenStreetMap data and working with open-source communities. Today, the company officially announces that it's supporting the open-source project, MapLibre.
Nov 04, 2022·2 mins read
Happy Birthday, OpenStreetMap! | TomTom Newsroom
behind the map

Happy birthday, OpenStreetMap!

Today is OpenStreetMap’s 17th birthday. In 2004 the project began and with it a revolution in mapping that has inspired millions of people to use and contribute to the free and open map of the world.
Aug 09, 2021·3 mins read
Never miss a story
Get the latest news from TomTom in your inbox.

* Required field. By submitting your contact details to TomTom, you agree that we can contact you about marketing offers, newsletters, or to invite you to webinars and events. We could further personalize the content that you receive via cookies. You can unsubscribe at any time by the link included in our emails. Review our privacy policy.