Toyota - Maps on Demand
Some interesting news is posted over at Engadget that I thought I would point out. Toyota is getting into on demand map data delivery, saying that they are the world's first to deliver this. I guess the Dash Express GPS that downloads map data over its own WiFi and cellular modems while on the road doesn't qualify?!?
I think that this is important to look at because it is a potential avenue for other GPS companies to explore, on-demand mapping via internet downloads. Toyota's plan is to update your maps where it is meaningful to you, where you live and work, for instance. Updates can be delivered over your home internet connection, via your cellphone or both. Currently the plans are for Japan only. But the plan has to revamp the current "batch style" processing of data in the mapping industry.
How is Mapping Updated Today? - After the jump...
Dash is set to change the game with their implementation here any day now, and the rest of the GPS world will need to address the issue of map update frequency. Right now, most GPS makers update maps annually, and sell you the data for around $100. Map suppliers typically issue map updates quarterly in a massive over the top data set that has too much information for you and me, but is needed by their other customers. The map suppliers are getting many millions of updates into their system monthly, and that's a lot of data to compile, but it's there. The system would need to move to a real-time process to facilitate this online and instantaneous delivery. If they aren't already exploring this, GPS makers like Garmin and TomTom need to demand it.
Dash Navigation has the potential to change things dramatically in the future. I've talked at length about this in the past, but with the Dash Express two way communication capability, they will be able to learn about new roads potentially before TeleAtlas does (the supplier of map data to Dash). So, as Dash sees 10 GPS units driving over open space on the maps, the computers might flag it as a potential new road, and send this in as a place to investigate for re-mapping. When confirmed, they can turn the data around the pump it out to the rest of the GPS units that are driving in the area. If Dash can get a toehold in the market, this will dramatically change how map data is gathered and disseminated.
ReadMore at Engadget
Read More in: Mapping News
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Posted by Scott Martin at February 12, 2007 8:40 AM
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