NaviGadget

how Navteq works

Oct 23, 2008 gps navigation

The other day we wrote a short article about a Navteq vehicle on the streets of Finland and asked them why/how they were using the cameras on top of the vehicle. They were nice enough to contact us with all this information and bunch of pics:

NAVTEQ has over 1,000 specially trained geographic analysts driving the roads updating and verifying map data. Each analyst is based locally and manages his or her own geographic area handling the entire process from start to finish. They travel in specially equipped vehicles with a GPS receiver accurate to one metre attached to the roof – this is connected to an on-board computer using special software to help them check the accuracy of current maps or create new ones.

Developed for the job, the software enables the field teams to download sections of the live database to a laptop for updating on the road. Changes to the maps can be made in several different ways: for standard features – such as one way streets – there is a range of icons which can be dropped straight on to the image. Pen tablets for hand written annotations have also been incorporated into the hardware. Voice notes are particularly useful in complicated situations. A sound file describes what can be seen on the road and an icon drops on to the screen showing the exact position using DGPS.

In addition multi-view video cameras are used as a back up record and for detailed follow-up analysis. The six cameras capture images every five metres and provide a 270° view of the road. Images are continuously sent to a server in the boot of the car and can be viewed an analysed in real time on a screen inside the car. Data is transferred via removable hard drives. This film can be reviewed at any time – even years later – to check specific details.

Thanks Navteq and Sue.