High Definition Mapping and Data Needs for Connected and Automated Vehicles

High-definition (HD) maps are essential for the safe operation of connected and automated vehicles (CAVs). The maps are not the traditional two-dimensional paper or GPS versions we are familiar with, but rather are three-dimensional representations of the real world—such as we see with our own eyes. HD maps, which come within centimeters of accuracy, allow a CAV to understand its location, surrounding physical environment, and rules of the road. Due to the complexity and data-intensity of HD maps, CAVs require extensive on-board computing power to quickly collect, store, process, and transmit a tremendous amount of data