Connected car company Here is developing real-time mapping that potentially uses anonymised data from its new shareholders Audi, BMW and Daimler.
The mapping business, which was sold by Nokia in August for €2.5 billion, said it wants to open discussions with other car markers to provide the best mapping for driverless cars, as well as offer new services to customers.
It currently builds its maps from more than 80,000 sources, including information gathered by its 3D mapping cars as well as from connected devices and vehicles.
It said that by broadening this to include “dynamic” data from a range of connected urban mobility devices, it could develop high definition live maps that can offer customers tailored information for their journey.
Here said its hope is cities will develop road and public transport networks based on “cooperative intelligent transportation systems” with mapping at its centre.
An additional benefit of this, Here claimed, would be helping companies to analyse their own data more efficiently and increase the productivity and efficiency of their networks.
Sean Fernback, President of HERE, said: “The map is evolving into a live representation of the world, giving us a second-by-second view of our cities and road networks. 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.”
The company added that despite the recent change in ownership, the Here platform will remain open to customers and other investors. It said there is a “clear separation” between its owners and the operations of the company.