From cameras to Vision (software): How GPS companies map the world
Currently two companies, Navteq and Tele Atlas, provide the data used by nearly all GPS manufacturers. But how do they assemble all that information? Analyst Craig Ellison recently had a chance to find out as he accompanied Tele Atlas data collectors on one of their mapping trip. First, each team receives maps on what roads to survey as their assignment. One member drives the customized Toyota Sienna and stops every thirty feet. The other member then gathers data via the high-resolution cameras mounted on top of the van. Images range from restricted-speed zones, HOV lanes, to highway splits. Each image is geocoded (i.e., marked with its location) which is later assembled and analyzed by Tele Atlas. Another division, driving around in Honda CR-Vs, checks or updates the first fleet's information. We'd hate to be the team that checked out this cliff in Crockpot.
Our own Chris Paukert got to check out the Tele Atlas Sienna in person at this year's CES show, as well.
[Source: TechnoRide]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Eugene Dumont 8:38PM (6/09/2006)
I have GPS in the planes that I fly. I have a flight simulator. I sure have alot of fun with it. I would hate to try and fly with out the GPS.
Eugne Dumont
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MFA Gordon 9:39PM (6/09/2006)
a friend of mine works for tele atlas and she does ocassionally get to drive the van. one of her jobs is to go through and double check all of the information in the system. there are a lot of errors and a lot of human hours are spent going through the system and weeding out the bad information.
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shiznannigan 11:09PM (6/09/2006)
Stopping every 30 ft?? This is one of the few cases where I'd say a hybrid would be a good choice.
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Damon 12:28AM (6/10/2006)
I just saw one of these traveling south on I-5 between Tracy and Manteca, CA. Do they capture info while at freeway speed?
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Calvin 12:08PM (6/10/2006)
Looks like we are not ready to jump to mapping software 2.0
http://wheeltalk.fancal.net/?p=354
And how they can be used to make money.
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Jason Chan 8:31PM (6/10/2006)
they definately need to fix those errors, i got directions from them and they just told me to get on to various freeways to get to my destination WITHOUT TELLING ME TO GO SOUTHBOUND OR NORTHBOUND OR WESTBOUND OR EASTBOUND when i hit interchanges!
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Ray Lewis 5:17PM (6/13/2006)
I actually think it's amazing that the maps are as good as they are if they are literally driving around like that to input data. My TT Go 700 hasn't had that many issues with maps in my area and the arrows are always pointing in the direct angle in which i am supposed to be turning so I've never had an issue at interchanges.
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Andy 7:25PM (6/13/2006)
Very interesting article. I have a Garmin and think it's great. This would be a good story for their blog -- www.garmin.blogs.com
Who knows, they may even send you one of their T-shirts that they're giving away right now.
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Gary Hoseleff 5:41PM (6/23/2006)
I always wondered what they did to get all of the map information. I'm a definate fan of Tele Atlas- I know they provide map data for a couple of different companies (Google and TomTom, at the top of my head). I've been impressed with both of those products.
I wonder if I'll ever see one of those orange vans in my area? It would be cool to 'catch' one cruisin by.
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