Geolocation technology company TomTom has announced changes to its mapmaking technology with the use of more automation technology.

The company says engineering investments have resulted in an advanced automated mapmaking platform, which leads to a “material change in mapmaking activities”.

This amounts to a cut of around 500 employees, or 10% of its global headcount, thanks to what the company calls “material efficiency gains”.

“Higher levels of automation and the integration of a variety of digital sources will result in fresher and richer maps, with wider coverage,” said Harold Goddijn, CEO of TomTom. “These better maps will improve our product offerings and allow us to address a broader market, both in the Automotive and Enterprise businesses”.

TomTom says, combined with a better map, this will “strengthen our competitive position”.

(Picture – TomTom Amigo)