Here Mapping, the former mapping division of Nokia, is set to expand its mapping efforts to improve maps in a way that will make them readable by autonomous cars.

Here was recently bought for $3.1 billion by a set of car manufacturers, including the likes of Audi, BMW and Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes. Now, the company will be working on high-resolution, real-time maps for self-driving cars, as well as making its consumer maps service more attractive for customers as an alternative to Google Maps and Apple Maps.

"The map is evolving into a live representation of the world, giving us a second-by-second view of our cities and road networks," Here President Sean Fernback said in a statement. "Now we have the backing of three automotive companies which share our view that this map will be life-changing for people: it will power location services that improve mobility for people and enterprises, make driving safer and more enjoyable, and reduce emissions."

Basically, Here plans on using real-time data from drivers to improve its software and to build better maps, similar to how Tesla is using data to improve its Autopilot feature. What this means is that the more people that use Here's service, the better the service will become, making it important that the company try and convince users that Here is a good alternative to Google Maps or Apple Maps.

Here also says that it is willing to to work with other companies in the auto industry on the data-gathering initiative, helping it more quickly develop a map that would be needed for autonomous driving. Because of this, automakers in the industry might find it more appealing to work with Here rather than a company like Google because of the access to things like vehicle data that they will receive.

Via: The Verge