Japan Will Develop 3D Maps For Self-Driving Cars To Use in 2020

The objective is bold, but this is one of the countries that might manage to implement such an impressive feat. Evidently, Japan is not going to sit on its backside and wait for the magic to happen, as a joint-venture was created so that 3D mapping of roads could be performed.

The idea was to join multiple companies to share the costs and the logistics of high-definition 3D mapping to ensure the completion of the project as soon as possible.

Nine automakers will take part in the project that is named Dynamic Map Planing, which was initially set up by Mitsubishi Electric, the nine automakers, and the map makers at Zenrin. The association will create a digital chart of the nation’s key expressways by driving specially equipped vehicles over them.

The first step, Nikkei notes, will involve a 300-kilometer (186 miles) journey, which will cover one of the first expressways. The project was initially penned by the Cabinet Office’s Cross-Ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program, and was commissioned to the joint-venture named Dynamic Map Planning.

The idea behind 3D mapping is to develop a better view of the road, which has more data than GPS can provide. The cars that will get these 3D maps will know road grades, structures, signs in the area, and other details that will be digitally reproduced with great accuracy.

With the aid of 3D mapping, self-driving cars would “know” that they must accelerate on slopes, and where those slopes will be. They will also be informed of sharp turns, and will be prepared to engage them by having the vehicle slow down ahead of the turn itself.

While some autonomous cars will be able to handle the world without 3D mapping, this solution might be safer from certain points of view. It is worth noting that the 3D mapping system will bring a level of precision that is not matched by ongoing navigation solutions.