The new Audi A8 incorporates HERE technology

At the end of 2015, AUDI AG, in a consortium with BMW Group and Daimler AG, acquired HERE Technologies from Nokia Corporation, one of the leading software companies for digital navigation maps and location-based services. Audi integrates it into its series production cars and the A8 model is one of the first cars of the brand to implement HERE Technologies services. In the map view with direct destination entry, the evolution of this technology can be seen, since the latest version of the modular infotainment platform of Audi (MIB2+) offers navigation maps with much clearer graphics. It combines highly detailed 3D models of cities around the world with their corresponding realistic representations of many buildings.

It is worth noting the hybrid navigation, where the route calculation is performed mainly online on HERE’s servers, and in parallel on board the car. The information is updated permanently at frequent intervals. Data transfer between the vehicle and the HERE database uses the LTE Advanced mobile communications standard. A local detour can be obtained directly and easily if part of the route is blocked. In addition, if you want to change the suggested route, you can enlarge the section on the screen and trace the new route with your finger to activate it.

The HERE navigation software is also used in the new myAudi smartphone app, synchronizing navigation destinations and favorites with the car via the cloud. It also allows the destination to be entered before getting into the car. The myAudi app transfers them to the car and the navigation system continues the route guidance without the need for an additional procedure.

Systems such as predictive adaptive cruise control and the predictive efficiency assistant use the HERE database. The central driver assistance controller (zFAS) also processes the road data it receives along the route from the navigation system, merges it with the data collected by the on-board sensors and uses the results to determine the exact position of the car in its lane. The maps in the Audi A8 are updated automatically every three months via the permanent online connection.

The Audi A4, A5, Q5 and Q7 models use their integrated sensors to gather information on speed limits and hazard points. Later, Audi will partner with HERE to use this data for Car-to-X services. Currently the information is collected on Audi’s servers, where it is processed and from which drivers of the four-ring brand’s vehicles benefit.

HERE is working on a highly relevant project called HD Live Map. It provides the digital foundation for future piloted driving. This new data platform describes the environment as a three-dimensional model with centimeter-level accuracy and dynamically rather than statically. The HERE HD Live Map is currently in the configuration phase, and the new Audi A8 is already prepared to integrate this technology.

Source | Audi