TomTom Launches New Mapping Technology to Advance Automated Driving Safety
Amsterdam, Friday, 2 January 2026.
Unveiled on January 2, 2026, TomTom’s new lane-level mapping tools and software kit empower automakers to rapidly scale automated driving features while ensuring compliance with stringent safety regulations.
Precision at Scale
On January 2, 2026, the Amsterdam-based location technology specialist, TomTom (TOM2), introduced two pivotal solutions: the TomTom Orbis Lane Model Maps and the ADAS SDK [1][2]. These products are engineered to address a critical bottleneck in the automotive industry: the need for cost-efficient, highly accurate data that supports the transition from driver assistance to full automation [1][2]. The newly showcased Orbis Lane Model Maps deliver lane-level intelligence designed to scale across entire road networks, including complex urban environments, rather than being limited to highways [1]. This solution brings granular geometry to a broad scope, with availability already confirmed across Germany [1].
Streamlining Compliance and Development
Michael Harrell, Senior Vice President for Product Engineering at TomTom, emphasized that delivering a safe experience for next-generation automated driving necessitates maps that are not only feature-rich and accurate but also cost-efficient and frequently updated across all road types [1]. Complementing this mapping data, the new ADAS SDK (Software Development Kit) serves as a modular toolkit for creating predictive driver assistance systems [2]. By leveraging the Orbis map data, the SDK generates a predictive path enriched with essential attributes such as speed limits, traffic signs, and lane connectivity [2].
Accelerating the Path to Automation
Manuela Locarno Ajayi, SVP for Product Engineering, described the SDK as an “out-of-the-box solution” intended to accelerate the path to higher levels of automation by enabling manufacturers to build sophisticated features in a faster, more cost-effective manner [2]. As the automotive sector faces pressure to expand Level 2+ driver assistance and move toward higher automation, TomTom’s integrated approach combines granular data with practical development tools [2]. By providing application-ready maps and SDKs that address both safety regulations and the technical demands of urban driving, TomTom aims to solidify its position as a builder of the “world’s smartest map” while supporting carmakers in expanding into new markets [1][2].