Google has announced an expanded version of its map service, Google HD Maps. In addition to being more precise than the standard version, HD Maps should also provide additional data to support navigation and automated driving. However, Google HD Maps will not be offered as a service that can be used independently, for example in the form of a smartphone app. Instead, the extended map service will be part of Android Automotive OS (AAOS) in the future. The first vehicles to benefit from the high-resolution maps are Volvo’s EX90 and Polestar 3.
According to Volvo, in addition to the data contained in Google Maps, HD Maps also offers information on certain, unspecified road signs and lane markings. The navigation function of the map service should use this data to suggest reliable lane changes or take traffic signs into account when calculating the route.
Unlike Google Maps, Google HD Maps also contains data on lane markings and is intended to help with automatic lane changes, for example.
Assistance systems should also benefit. Automated lane changes could, for example, take place in good time before prohibited zones, the more precise map data enable a more precise determination of position on the road. According to Volvo, more reliable automated journeys are possible in combination with the vehicle sensors.
It is not known which data Google uses in detail for HD Maps and how much more accurate the data is compared to the already known Google Maps. However, some of the information is likely to come from drivers of younger Volvo vehicles. Models from the Swedish car manufacturer equipped with AAOS enable road signs recognized by the front camera to be transmitted to Google.
Vehicle combines map data and sensor information
However, Volvo has made it clear that even the more precise and extensive map data is not enough. In addition to Google HD Maps, the EX90 should also use its sensors to recognize road signs, lane markings and other things. All data is processed by Nvidia’s Drive AI platform based on the Drive AGX Orion processor.
In the EX90, as in the Polestar 3, the Nvidia platform is responsible for some assistance systems and automated driving, which should initially be possible up to a maximum of Level 3. However, speaking at CES, Volvo stated that Level 3 will not be available when the EX90 launches. Volvo only intends to offer a corresponding software update after the market launch at the end of 2023 – but then initially only for use in California.
AAOS alone is not enough
It is not yet known which other models from other manufacturers will offer Google HD Maps in the future. One reason for this is the requirements on the part of Google. The company names Android Automotive OS (AAOS) as a prerequisite. In fact, the vehicle must have Google Automotive Services (GAS). These extend AAOS with some components, including the Play Store and Google Maps. This means that the Renault Megane E-Tech (test) can be used with Google HD Maps, but not the upcoming BMW models with BMW OS9. Because BMW does without GAS. The same applies to vehicles from the Stellantis Group, which includes Fiat, Opel and Peugeot, among others.
(pbe)
