from time to time prospects and customers ask us about the update cycles of PTV map data. Here's a quick intro and overview. Feel fee to provide feedback or further questions if needed.
Best regards,
Bernd
- What is a map? - Honestly spoken the meaning of the term map depends on the context:
- Binary data structure : a map can be seen as a binary data struture that is used behind an engine such as PTV xMap, xRoute, PTV Developer, PTV MapServer. Now with PTV xLocate2 / Developer Geokcoding APIs we create two binary data structures for different purposes:
- A geocoder index (aka GCD) which is only in use within the xLocate2 and Geocioding APIs
- The traditional binary map which is used for the other domains (map visualization, routing, dima calculation...)
- Once a mapping engine (xMap, Raster Map API, ...) has created a visible section this is also often named "a map".
- And sometimes when you get asked by support "which mal did you use?" we need to understand the underlying data version (Which provider? Which year? Which geographic region? E.g. "HERE World City 2025.1H" means the first map based on HERE's data from within 2025)
- Binary data structure : a map can be seen as a binary data struture that is used behind an engine such as PTV xMap, xRoute, PTV Developer, PTV MapServer. Now with PTV xLocate2 / Developer Geokcoding APIs we create two binary data structures for different purposes:
- What kind of maps does PTV provide? - We offer both standard maps (European City, North America City, ...) and project based maps (e.g. Saudi Arabia...). While standard maps have their regular update cycle the project maps have individual triggers. The major providers we deal with are the global players HERE and TOMTOM.
Update 1.8.2024: With our cloud only APIs "PTV Developer" ignited in 2022 we focus on HERE and OSM. - How often does PTV update map data? - Depends on the used map. For some standard maps such as European City we provide a core map update twice per year (for both providers HERE (H) and TOMTOM (T), e.g. 2019.2H is succeeded by 2020.1H, 2020.2H, 2021.1H, and so on). While some additional data cycles (such as TruckAttributes and SpeedPatterns) are aligned to the core map other packages (such as Traffic Info or Toll Updates) is updated on shorter
terms. Update 1.8.2024: The regular binary HERE World Maps are assembled twice per year for onPremise delivery. In the PTV Developer world we assemble the maps automatically - the update cycle in this environment is currently "once per quarter". - How often does PTV update toll data? - Toll data for the European city maps is usually processed several times per year. We update the scenarios countrywise. So it might be the case that we update country1, country 2, ... in january, next countries in february and so on. (Update 2022: meanwhile we also provide toll data for the North America and Australia maps. Except for NorthAmerica we also provide Basic and Detailed Toll Data)
- How often does PTV update traffic incidents data? - Traffic incidents data is consumed via online access from TOMTOM. The update cycle is described here. As of today the update cycle of the provider himself is "every 120 secs".
- Where can we download the map data? - For players who licensed a map we can offer an individual download link for the map setup. The link will be provided by PTV OrderManagemrnt. It is a temporary download and please be aware that you need serial numbers for a proper installation.
- Where can we download the additional data such as feature layers or toll updates? - Since 2018 we do no longer provide dedicated download links for the additional data: Static feature layer content is part of the map setup and if you want to install the content you need a proper serial number (provided by contract services). Dynamic content (PTV_TrafficIncidents and toll Toll updates) is available through the Content Update Service (additional plugin). Also the xServer2 uses this approach documented online. Quick sidenote: MapServer users can check the Toll Update Wizard. Here's also a link to the Developer Zone.
- We saw the WorldMap is available for PTV xServer Internet. Does PTV provide the WorldMap for onPremise installations, too? - The TOMTOM World Map is available for On Premise installations, too BUT under certain restrictions: The system requirements are much heavier than with continental maps and we only sell the On Premise map in combination with Professional Services. Get in touch with your associated Sales at PTV to get more details.
- Is the World Map just the same as the sum of the continental maps? - In fact we distinguish between World Maps and World City Maps Premium. A simple World Map is a surficial map with so-called extracted data. On the other hand a World City Map Premium contains several regional City Premium maps. With 2020 we can offer two World City Map Premium: TOMTOM and HERE.
- Which World City Map Premium does PTV offer?
The TOMTOM World City Map Premium contains- PTV Europe City Map Premium (TT)
- PTV South Asia City Map (TT)
- PTV Africa City Map (TT)
- and more
- PTV Europe City Map Premium(H)
- PTV Australia City Map (H)
- PTV Arabia City Map (H)
- PTV India City Map (H)
- PTV South America City Map (H)
- PTV North America City Map (H)
- and more
Best regards,
Bernd
