NAVTEQ is adopting a new “True” mapping collection system that integrates and geo-references a combination of LIDAR, panoramic and high resolution cameras, GPS and IMU (inertial measurement units) positioning data to create better digital maps. The technology moves digital maps from 2D to 3D representation.
NAVTEQ is beginning the roll out of this new technology in its US fleet of field collection vehicles, further enhancing the company’s ability to deliver a growing range of high quality digital map data.
NAVTEQ said its LIDAR collection uses a proprietary architecture that can capture over 1.5 million 3D data points every second, which is a significant advancement over other LIDAR systems. The rotating lasers can collect over a longer range, up to approximately 120 meters, and at higher speeds, allowing NAVTEQ to collect highway signs while driving posted speed limits while also still being able to capture the detail on a small mile marker. While other LIDAR systems use single line scans which collect to an angle of 90 degrees, NAVTEQ’s 64 rotating lasers collect 360 degree LIDAR images. Other features of this system include the ability to automatically generate attributes such as bridge height and lane width down to the centimeter, and to look behind objects to better generate accurate dimensions in the execution of 3D representations versus those seen when using sources such as aerial imagery.
NAVTEQ True is also using both multi-view and panoramic cameras. The simultaneous addition of multi-view cameras captures the additional detail, such as what is printed on a menu outside a restaurant, which can be collected on the same drive by.
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