If you’ve used HERE maps, whether on a phone or through an in-car navigation system, you might take for granted the precise location of every stop sign, lane marker and street sign. But HERE maps are a result of far more than meets the eye, and one of our map-making facilities recently opened its doors for a behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous process of converting raw data into the digital maps we see on our screens.
In Fargo, N.D., HERE mapping analysts receive one-terabyte hard drives from HERE data collection vehicles across the U.S.
These disks contain street-capture data from one to two weeks of voracious driving across the country, from cul-de-sacs on Long Island to highways in Wyoming, and everywhere in between. Mapping technicians then scrupulously study the raw data to make sure it meets high standards: glare from sunlight and other unanticipated conditions can ruin an image.
To protect privacy, the team also uses a software tool they developed to automatically detect and blur faces and license plates captured by the street car cameras.
On the road again (and again)
After careful quality control and analysis, the map data is turned over to a team that specializes in road attributes, such as stop signs and speed limit signs (there are 438 different types of road signs in total). Last year alone, HERE processed more than 1 million road signs in the U.S. Combine that with the unique set of road rules and signs for almost 200 countries that HERE has mapped, and it’s easy to understand why mapping the world is a craft few can undertake.
While HERE uses semi-automated software to detect these attributes, an engineer serves as a second set of eyes to cross-check rare ambiguities.
Even after all of this refining, this map data is still not yet ready for the public. Next, the maturing map is cross-referenced with other sources, such as government databases and city maps. Another group of technicians then runs a program that uses algorithm-based “rules” to detect illegal situations or database inconsistencies.
The world in 3D
The Fargo team is also comprised of extensively trained 3D-mapping engineers who process the light-radar (LiDAR) data from the street car cameras to create 3D renderings of the road – down to the centimeter. This extremely accurate LiDAR data is layered into the maps, and is crucial as we approach a future of autonomous driving, where precision for vehicles is of the highest importance.
HERE is also in the development stage of building 3D city maps using the LiDAR data, which could lead to myriad applications, such as the ability to assess a neighborhood’s level of safety or navigate local restaurants by looking at location data. What’s more, HERE has partnered with nonprofit CyArk to use LiDAR imaging to document and preserve the record of historic cities.
How would you use 3D map data of your city or neighborhood?
