Mapping software company TomTom has made its mapping data available to apps developers, providing an alternative to companies that now use maps from Google and Apple. Dutch-based TomTom launched its new Location Based Services (LBS) Platform and Developer Portal. TomTom LBS provides developers with the content and tools to create location-enabled applications for a variety of commercial and consumer markets. Example apps that can be created include fleet management, route planning, traffic management and geospatial analysis.

The cloud-based LBS Platform enables businesses to access TomTom's location and navigation services including map display, routing, traffic and geocoding. In addition, the TomTom Developer Portal gives developers tools to build web and mobile apps using simple application programming interfaces (APIs) and Software Developer Kits (SDKs), with all supporting documentation.

"In response to the increasing demand for top quality data and services, TomTom is offering a comprehensive, easy to use solution for adding location intelligence to applications," said Dan Adams, vice president of Location and Live Services at TomTom. "The launch of the TomTom LBS Platform is an important evolution. Now we can provide application developers with web-based access to high-quality location content worldwide."

TomTom has been hurt as consumers increasingly opt for free or cheap navigation software available on smartphones and tablet computers.