Mapmaking- Providing location data to the entire world

Mapmaking: Providing location data to the entire world

Location data, it’s often argued, is at the core of any service that any major organisation provides anywhere in the world. For instance, for developing autonomous driving technology and connected cars, carmakers have to rely on location data and mapping platforms, and this data is equally important for fleet operators, food delivery apps and public transit users. Top location data companies in the world are Esri, Precisely Holdings, HERE Technologies, Carto and TomTom, among others. In India, the leading location data company is MapMyIndia.

Best platformOn Friday, HERE Technologies was ranked as the best location platform vendor globally by Counterpoint Technology Location Platform Effectiveness Index 2023. “HERE has maintained map data richness, robust platform capabilities, strategic partnerships, and an expanding customer base across industries,” Counterpoint said in a statement. “HERE led in eight out of 10 categories and 44 out of 84 sub-categories, showcasing its domain expertise in location technology.”HERE was recognised for its offerings across verticals.

HERE in IndiaHERE Technologies is backed by Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Intel, Mitsubishi, NTT, Robert Bosch, Continental and Pioneer, and in India it has the largest production centre (in Mumbai) and employs over 4,000 professionals. “India is a strategic market for us, not just for production of maps — we have a large presence in Mumbai with very capable people — but also because India is becoming a frontier of location-based services,” he said.

What about Google Maps?Although Google Maps is the most widely used location data platform, analysts say it’s not necessarily the best tool for complex data visualisation. “Google Maps is great on mapping dataset and solutions front because of its strong consumer offering via the Android platform, but it places lesser focus on enterprise-grade mapping – something which companies like HERE and TomTom excel in,” an analyst said.