[TISA-LR-FAQ7] OpenLR is well-documented through public resources that explain both the concept and technical implementation. For beginners and interested stakeholders, the official OpenLR website, Wikipedia, and GitHub repository offer clear and accessible entry points. More technical documentation and tools are also available for developers exploring real-world integration. |
OpenLR is well-documented through public resources that explain both the concept and technical implementation. For beginners and interested stakeholders, the official OpenLR website, Wikipedia, and GitHub repository offer clear and accessible entry points. More technical documentation and tools are also available for developers exploring real-world integration.
Public Authorities: Understand the concept and evaluate open standards for potential adoption.
Content Providers: Access technical specs and tools to enable consistent content delivery across platforms.
Service Providers: Get implementation examples and documentation for faster integration.
OEMs: Explore background material for evaluating compatibility with in-vehicle systems.
Overview of OpenLR
OpenLR is a map-agnostic, compact method for describing road locations (like points or routes), which allows the same encoded data to be interpreted across different digital maps. Instead of relying on GPS coordinates or road names, it uses Location Reference Points (LRPs)—defined by coordinates, road class, direction, and more—to describe locations relative to road networks.
Where to Start
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Wikipedia - OpenLR | General introduction and history of the method |
| Official OpenLR Website | Conceptual overview, technical specs, white paper, and example use cases |
| OpenLR White Paper (PDF) | Core specification; good summary in pages 3–5 for non-experts |
| TomTom OpenLR GitHub | Java-based encoder/decoder tools, sample data, and usage examples |
| INRIX Docs on Dynamic Location Referencing | Covers OpenLR use in dynamic traffic applications |
If You're New to OpenLR
Start with the Wikipedia entry or the OpenLR website’s overview section.
Read pages 3–5 of the white paper to understand the logic without needing deep technical background.
Try a decoder tool from GitHub to experiment with real OpenLR data.
Visualize results using OSM-based tools (e.g., JOSM) to confirm that decoded paths match expected roads.
| Goal | Recommended Resource |
|---|---|
| Learn what OpenLR is | Wikipedia, OpenLR homepage |
| Understand how it works | OpenLR White Paper, Section 1–2 |
| Try an implementation | GitHub: TomTom-Tools/OpenLR |
| Get help with traffic-related use | INRIX Dynamic Location Referencing Docs |
All core OpenLR resources are freely accessible and open-source.
For implementation, use the GitHub repo which includes sample encoders, decoders, and test data.
The community is small but active—issues and Q&A can often be found via GitHub discussions.