VIEW POINT
EXPLORING TECHNOLOGICAL
DEVELOPMENTS IN GIS NAVIGATION
Abstract
Today, maps are so advanced that a large part of the world relies
heavily on their features. Cartographers, researchers, scientists,
and academicians use them extensively for story telling about
real-world problems and to provide solutions. This paper discusses
technological developments in the navigation domain within GIS
(Geographical Information Systems), the extant challenges, and the
impact on all stakeholders who are directly or indirectly using these
services.
Introduction
Maps have always been a part of human in caves to the indispensable mobile been a fascinating one, from yesteryears
history, helping people explore and navigation units of today which provide cartography and paper maps to the maps
enabling effective decision making. visual and/or audible guidance to simplify available now through computers, mobile
However, we have come a long way moving around places known and devices, and virtual reality.
from the early maps drawn on rocks and unknown. This evolutionary journey has
Advances in the navigation
domain
Geographic information systems cartographic, or hydrographic. Also, B using transportation services, the
(GIS) include many domains such as technological developments have enabled ecommerce industry’s usage of 3rd parties
telecommunications, transportation, the development of new types such as to ensure quick delivery of their products
electrical, utilities, military, earth animated, interactive, multimedia, and and services, usable point-of-interest
observation, government services, virtual providing effective modes of search, or the food services industry shift
and mapping services. Based on their storytelling. towards seamless delivery models, in all
requirements, there are different These new types have played a vital role of these areas, the use of maps has made
types of maps used in these domains in changing the way business is done a significant change in the daily lives of
such as thematic, atlas, navigational, today. Be it moving from point A to point consumers.
External Document © 2019 Infosys Limited
The influencers driving change
Several social and technological developments are driving the increasing relevance of maps across industries, domains, and consumers.
Internet of things: Mobile devices:
Ubiquitous access to the internet The availability of affordable mobile GPS
through mobile devices with GPS systems and phones has enabled the
connectivity, and the widespread usage large-scale collection of map data, and
of apps by consumers is enabling easy Mobile access to such maps at an affordable
access of end user data by companies. devices cost.
Internet of
things
Software
development
Entry of big players Application
into market: development:
Entry of big players
into this market
Competition has forced large businesses Advances in software application
to venture into new areas using development have enabled appropriate
innovative models, many of which are data consolidation and enhanced
built around GIS mapping features. These have resulted in simpler,
advancements. efficient, and user-friendly applications.
The role and development of maps of the future
The technological advances in mapping are infrastructure, pedestrians, and other Companies with diverse backgrounds and
building a foundation for an impeccable objects expertise are partnering to make these
navigation experience. Tomorrow’s maps • Enhanced in-car navigation information ambitious projects a reality. Today, such
will enable: (braking, turning point, speeds for partnerships exist in various permutations
• 3D map navigation, AR/VR navigation different seasons, and road types) between manufacturers of automobiles,
hardware, and software, and map building
• Networking between autonomous cars, • Accurate driver guidance systems companies and research institutes.
as well as between the cars, surrounding
External Document © 2019 Infosys Limited
Three underlying differentiators
Maps have come a long way from being on storytelling. The current environment Detection and Ranging (LIDAR), High
a static, information-focused map, to a envisages the three factors making an Definition Mapping (HD Maps), and Virtual
graphical interactive map that focuses impact on qualitative information: Light Positioning System (VPS).
Technology Light Detection and Ranging High Definition Mapping Virtual Positioning System
What is it Uses airborne vehicles to capture terrain Uses sophisticated cameras to Uses the camera in mobiles along
data through measuring reflected light capture high definition images for with geo location details for
pulses high quality maps visually dynamic maps.
Uses in Helps in viewing datasets in 3D Differentiates between pedestrian Guides users to their destinations
Navigation perspective for better visualization. routes and driving routes with with a visual representation of
It can be used for dynamic mapping; minimal/zero human intervention, the route searched for.
updating digital map applications with helps automated vehicles with
the latest developments such as new dynamic driving assistance and in
constructions or road blockages. identifying traffic flow.
How does it • Airborne vehicles using LIDAR • An autonomous vehicle (AV) • Cars fitted with 360-degree
work equipment emit laser light waves captures street data using LIDAR GPS cameras and LIDAR
(ultraviolet, visible, or near infrared) equipment and cameras. equipment on the roof are
and capture data from the reflected • The street data includes road driven across the streets.
pulses contours, traffic signs, road • The captured images are
• The emitted light waves that travel obstructions, blind spots, stitched together into a
outwards in all directions until parking assist features, and lane video including vector 2D,
reflected back to the source from departures. 3D images of objects such
objects in their path. • The captured data is as signboards and general
• The pulse data is rectified to identify incorporated into HD maps and obstacles.
the features of the reflecting object sorted using certain algorithms • Algorithms are added into
• LIDAR gives a 360-degree view of the for the AV to react in the same the system, with obstacles
objects that helps viewing datasets way that humans would in real- identified to aid driver-less
with a 3D perspective world scenarios. cars.
How will it help • Informed analytical decisions • Enhanced quality data • Precise walking images /
• Accurate 3D modelling of objects • Symmetric traffic flows, and driving directions
robotic vehicular movements
• AVs interacting with each other
while executing their active
programs
External Document © 2019 Infosys Limited
Understanding the challenges
All data acquired using these technological category definitions, and structuring prior that challenge such map making:
enhancements will need rectification, to usage. However, there are several factors
Skill: Data rectification involves large scale
Cost: Obtaining data and creating such maps
operations with skilled resources. However,
is very expensive. Rectification is also time
there is limited availability of manpower skilled
consuming due to the very specific details
on the unique tools and processes used by
needed to obtain 5mm accuracy levels
individual product owners. This leads to a high
cost associated with training a large workforce.
Technology: Advanced technologies and tools Environment: Weather conditions such as rain
are needed to understand the captured or storms effect the collection of required
datasets, and integrate them into aesthetic datasets. Also, noise and image errors caused
displays of features, and to convert them into by faulty equipment result in data that is not
standard navigational formats useful, necessitating multiple scanning/drive
data collection efforts for single points
External Document © 2019 Infosys Limited
The stages of map building
The process of building maps can Throughout the cycle the map data environmental and climate changes, 3rd
be categorized into five stages to goes through various changes due party data aggregation, or technological
address issues in a systematic manner. to development, natural disasters, developments.
Post-production Data
activities collection
Maintenance activities to ensure Collation of data from multiple parties
continuous enhancements to maps data based on the need of the product
to provide a better end user experience. outcome expected by the
client/product owner.
Production Design &
activities development of tools
Creation of spatial and attribute data. Design, development of tools and
Processes are structured in an effective technology to customize the work as
manner to ensure flawless flow of per the need of the product outcome
information. expected by the client/product owner.
Workflow tools, editing tools, data
integration, and testing are all
performed at this stage.
Pre-production
activities
Design processes and procedures to
address process related issues.
Prototyping activities are performed to
design process related documents.
External Document © 2019 Infosys Limited
Readiness to be part of these ambitious projects
Technological development and the between technology and data service map building space and are important for
competitive need to deliver unique providers is a commonly seen trend given map-building companies to adapt to, to
customer experiences have pushed most the need to provide quality services to avoid being left behind.
businesses to innovate. As time is of the end users of the product. The other trends
essence, integration between tools, and below are also expected to transform the
Machine Learning Development of Skilled resources Innovation
Machines have been trained to identify, Processes are becoming simpler to Collaborations are seen between
extract, and display accurate data enable higher usage of machine companies and the vision / outcomes
Rules, algorithms need to be designed, learning. As machines become smarter will be detrimental if not they are not
tried, and tested to enable smart the workforce to handle these machines able to sync well
learning also need to become smarter. Development and innovation will have
Process break down and simplification of Technical skill development will play a to be at par between companies to
work will be instrumental in enabling key role and companies will have to comprehend each others strategy and
efficient learning upskill the workforce accordingly. align themselves accordingly
Manpower will still be required to handle Time and cost factors will also play very
data correction errors, however the critical roles in this space
skillsets will need a boost.
While considering these trends map building companies need to shore up on:
Domain understanding: to provide
Technical skills: to handle various data Data availability: abundant data
value and keep innovating and
formats that require integration with needs to be sourced through end-user
improving through artificial intelligence
multiple tools contributions and crowdsourcing
and process automation
The way forward
The Geographic information system and commonly used by consumers, machines are inevitable for businesses
industry has seen a paradigm shift over the governments, software developers, of the future. Map-building companies
last couple of years. Data suggests that the hardware manufacturers, and firms in that understand and adapt themselves
industry had grown to $8985M in 2016 and real estate management, supply chain through innovation to cater to the growing
is expected to reach $17510M in the next management, transportation, e-commerce, demand will be the ones that will be the
7 years. and several other such industries/services. intermediaries in tomorrow’s map-enabled
The best years are ahead of us where Artificial intelligence, process automation, world of human-machine co-ordination.
GIS services are going to be increasingly and the increasing involvement of
External Document © 2019 Infosys Limited
Author
Mothiraj Senior Practice Lead, Digital Interactive services Practice, Infosys BPM
Mothiraj has over 17 years of experience spanning customer service, operations management, training, centre of
excellence, and solution design. He has experience in working on multiple service lines such as sales & fulfilment,
search engine marketing, search engine optimization, and geographic information systems – navigation domain.
In his current role as a senior practice lead, he is responsible for GIS engagement delivery support, best practice
implementation, performing POC’s and working closely with the solutions team for all GIS related engagements.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in business management and a post graduate diploma in business administration.
Pradeep Kumar Bathula Process Specialist, Infosys BPM
A proficient GIS expert with over 5 years of experience into digital operations, data analysis(spatial & non-spatial),
remote sensing, digital image processing , photogrammetry , and content management of GIS databases. Goal-
Oriented work approach, eagerness in gaining knowledge, and always taking strides towards success. Holds a
Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from JNTUH.
For more information, contact infosysbpm@infosys.com
© 2019 Infosys Limited, Bengaluru, India. All Rights Reserved. Infosys believes the information in this document is accurate as of its publication date; such information is subject to change without notice. Infosys
acknowledges the proprietary rights of other companies to the trademarks, product names and such other intellectual property rights mentioned in this document. Except as expressly permitted, neither this
documentation nor any part of it may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, printing, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the
prior permission of Infosys Limited and/ or any named intellectual property rights holders under this document.
Infosysbpm.com Stay Connected
