Harman Launches Updatable Mapping System

Harman International Industries Inc. says it has developed a dynamic mapping technology that automatically updates cloud-based navigation systems based on traffic signs and other real world information collected from vehicles as they’re being driven.

The system can alert drivers to upcoming construction zones, new speed limits and other changes, according to the supplier. It says the technology, which uses spatial machine learning techniques, currently is being launched with an unnamed German carmaker.

Harman’s dynamic map layers technology uses data collected from cameras and other car sensors to recognize road signs and compares it with the digital map information from the navigation system. If a difference is detected, the information is anonymized and sent to the cloud, where Harman’s platform analyzes and compares it with data collected from other vehicles. Once it’s verified, the new information is integrated into Harman’s overall map database.

Harman says the technology is compatible with the navigation data standard (NDS) protocol developed by carmakers and suppliers in 2012. This will allow information from Harman’s dynamic map layers system to be shared among different vehicle makes and models that also use NDS.

The system also could incorporate information from other advanced driver assistance system sensors to provide additional map updates, Harman says. And the company envisions the technology being used to create and update high-definition map content for autonomous vehicles.