Real time maps are one of the most crucial factors for the success of autonomous driving. Image source: Shutterstock (#519349624)
With all the hype going on in the automotive sector regarding the future of self driving vehicles, one common challenge that all the automakers and technology companies face is the availability of the accurate data in terms of all the lanes, exit ramps, traffic lights and more importantly the real time updates in case of rerouting, accidents and further unexpected encounters. The need for a precise, 3-D map is higher than ever which can not only locate the car but also understands its surroundings and environement with as low as 4 inches on either sides using the tools and gadgets such as sensors, radars etc. While the companies like Here and Waymo have already been working on improving the map availability, automakers have now come up an interesting alternative ‘crowdsourcing’ and the VW and BMW have already come up with a way to do so. From 2018 each of their cars will outfit with an Israeli company Mobileye’s camera. “You can leverage the fact that you will have millions of cars with cameras — almost all the new cars that hit the road,” CTO at Mobileye Amnon Shashua said. “This is a force multiplier,” he further added.
The New York Times
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