Mapping service HERE introduced a new mapping service Wednesday at CES 2016 that may boost the public's trust in self-driving cars' capabilities.
The cloud-based service, called HD Live Map, is designed as a solution to the on-board sensors that autonomous vehicles use to be aware of obstacles in different environments, as very precise maps do a better job at helping drivers plan ahead, according to TechCrunch.
HD Live Map will provide temporal data about construction and traffic, data about permanent infrastructure, such as how many lanes a highway has, and analytical data about how fast people usually drive on particular roads.
HERE is intent on improving both Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and automated driving features in cars in order to make driver a more comfortable and enjoyable experience, GPS World Magazine noted.
HD Live Map users will have access to more accurate and reliable near real-time data and contextual information about the car's environment. This will give them the ability to enhance features like adaptive cruise control, adaptive highlights and curve speed warnings, as well as more of a reason to trust self-driving technology as it continues to develop.
"As we move towards higher levels of vehicle automation, drivers need to feel that their car is making the right decisions on their behalf," said Floris van de Klashorst, HERE's vice president of automotive. "When it comes to trusting your car, having consistent real-time awareness of road conditions near and fear is absolutely critical. With HD Live Map serving this need, we believe it will become the car industry's most intelligent vehicle sensor."
HD Live Map is also HERE's first self-maintaining map, as it is updated and delivered in near real-time through several modes of sensor aggregation and ingestion, according to GPS World Magazine.
Being cloud-based also gives cars using the map the ability to share information to other cars in the area, TechCrunch reported.
ADAS systems are sure to make great use of HERE's new mapping service, as they mostly need human drivers to work. The company, which is currently owned by BMW, Audi and Daimler, has already tested its maps out with some automakers.
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