- T Map presents the first hybrid map in Korea combining streaming and embedded maps
- Over 40 new features including Time Machine for estimating future departure and arrival times, Traffic Updates
Share for reporting real-time traffic information and Black Box functionality
- Enables monitoring of GHG and fuel use reduction achieved by relying on real-time navigation
- More powerful LBS for public transit users including nationwide public transit route guidance and Safe Taxi Service
SK Planet today announced the release of T Map 4.0, the next generation one-stop location-based information service.
T map is the most widely used LBS in Korea with 14.7 million registered users and 5.4 million unique visits a month as
of November.
First in Korea to introduce hybrid map
T Map 4.0 is equipped with the hybrid map, which is a combination of an embedded map and a real-time streaming map.
The more optimal of the two is displayed to the user depending on the situation. For example, the streaming map would
appear for the initial run screen and for searches relating to the local area and public transportation to quickly serve detailed
information users need. When the driver is using the navigation function, the embedded map is run to ensure a reliable
route guidance.
Over 40 new features introduced based on user behavior and requirements analysis
In addition to Real-time Route Guidance that sets T Map apart from competing GPS navigation services, version 4.0
introduced another unique function called the “Time Machine.” This allows the user to input the targeted arrival time
specifying the day of the week to get a departure time recommendation. Alternatively, the user can input the planned
departure time to get an estimated arrival time.
Another interesting addition is the Traffic Updates Share. While driving, the user may input real-time information about
the traffic condition and accidents he has witnessed which can then be shared with other T Map users. SK Planet will
utilize user provided traffic information that recurs more than a set number of times in analyzing traffic congestion and
feed the results to real-time information services.
SK Planet also made some modifications for greater user convenience. The initial run screen is now in the map format,
and the viewing experience has been enhanced with three different view types. These include the bird’s-eye view, in other
words presenting the map as if seen from above. When the vehicle turns, the map quickly shifts to another view type called
‘heading up’ which moves in the direction the car is turning. Finally, the third view type is the ‘north up’ in which the map is
fixed facing north.
The Black Box feature, which used to be accessible with charge, and the nationwide CCTV data feed are both available via
T Map 4.0. Moreover, the latest version supports Picture in Picture function, allowing the user to see both the route guidance
and the Black Box screen at the same time.
In addition to all of these innovations, T Map 4.0 allows the users to select from a range of route recommendation criteria.
These include the more common ‘toll-free roads’, ‘shortest time’ and ‘shortest distance,’ but there are also other more
novel criteria, such as ‘inexperienced drivers’, ‘expressways preferred’ and ‘highways preferred.’ The users can also input
maximum two locations in addition to the points of departure and arrival that they wish to pass through on the way to the final
destination.
Monitor reduction in GHG emission and fuel use with T Map
SK Planet introduced in T Map 4.0 the ‘RTN-based GHG abatement quantification methodology’ which was adopted in October
2012 by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as the first global standard of its kind. T Map screen shows GHG
emission for each of the recommended routes, taking into account real-time traffic situation. Once the vehicle reaches its
destination, the driver can check how much fuel and GHG emission were saved as a result of following T Map guidance. SK
Planet will also hold a ‘Follow the Green T Map Road’ campaign into early next year in collaboration with the Ministry of
Environment. The aim of the campaign is to foster greener driving habits.
Stronger LBS for public transit passengers: T Map Public Transit and Safe Taxi Service
The new T Map has revamped its services for people who intend to take public transportation. The T Map Public Transit
recommends the optimal course based on real-time operation data of subways and buses in Seoul as well as intercity buses,
trains, and airplanes to truly cover the entire nationwide public transportation network.
SK Planet has partnered with Seoul City and Korea Smartcard to develop the Safe Taxi Service, which sends information
about the cab someone has taken in an SMS form to his or her guardian. For example, when a passenger in a taxi uses
the credit card she had registered with T Map, the information about the cab and the location are processed in the terminal
installed by Seoul City and Korea Smartcard and sent as an SMS to her guardian.
Kim Jang-uk, Senior Vice President and Head of Open Social Business Division of SK Planet expressed his pride when
he said, “With 14.7 million users, T Map is the leading LBS platform in Korea.” He then added: “T Map will bring greater
sophistication to LBS not just for drivers but also for people who prefer public transportation. Based on the T Map API we
will continue to develop location-based services with partners from both inside and outside our organization to raise the
quality of life for our customers.”
The initial launch of T Map 4.0 covers 18 Android smartphone models carried by SK Telecom that support HD, WXGA and
WVGA resolutions, and the coverage will expand over time to other models. T Map 4.0 is available in T Store from
November 15.
To celebrate the launch, SK Planet will hold a T Map 4.0 Download Event from November 19 to December 31. Webtoons will
be shared via SNS to showcase the special features, and prizes—iPad mini, restaurant vouchers, smartphone mounts and
KrispyKreme gifticons—will be given out to lucky users who have downloaded T Map. Please refer to the event website
for details.
