At CES 2023 in Las Vegas, two car manufacturers announced that they will be the first to use Google’s new high-definition maps in their high-end electric vehicles.
Google has just launched an HD version of its automotive mapping solution. Unlike Google Maps, google map hd is not a consumer appbut an additional layer of data that is served to the vehicle’s L2+ or L3 driver assistance systems via Google Automotive Services.
As a reminder, Android Automotive is a complete vehicle operating system that can be integrated into car infotainment systems and dashboards and work without a smartphone nearby. It should not be confused with Android Autowhich is a connection system between a smartphone and a car, equivalent to Apple’s CarPlay.
Also read – Waze will soon warn you if you are driving on a dangerous road
What are Google HD Maps?
Unlike Google Maps which you can access on your phone, the new HD map is much more accurate, showing your position on the road to within one centimeter instead of several meters. This accuracy is vitally important for partially or fully automated driving systems that need to know which lane they are in or where exactly an obstacle in the road is.
HD Maps will also integrate sensor data with real-time traffic information to better plan routes and communicate with in-vehicle semi-autonomous systems to provide highly accurate information about the vehicle and its surroundings. We can now see precise road details, such as lane markers, signs and road barriers.
Which will be the first cars to benefit from HD maps?
The new high-definition (HD) maps are now available in select new cars, starting with the Volvo EX90 and Polestar 3. Google plans to roll it out to other vehicles in the future. It is highly likely that the range of models supporting the new software will be expanded in the coming months with new vehicles from both companies, but other manufacturers should also qualify. We know, for example, that the BMW group plans to use Android Automotive in its cars this year.