HERE Technologies

Google maps are popular for navigation. However, organizations such as HERE offer maps with detailed mapping attributes, say for example ‘bridge attributes’. It tells the truck drivers the location of the bridges, their height, their load bearing capacity, and alternative routes if it is a low bridge and so on. Google maps are good, but the kind of detailed mapping HERE provides makes it suitable for autonomous driving.

Here is also developing 3D models for 100 cities. They are working on indoor mapping. They would map the height of the buildings and power lines. It will facilitate drone deliveries. They will prepare indoor maps of buildings. It will make easier to locate your parked car. At the same time, you can locate a spa or a restaurant in a big hotel easily. There are no flying cars now, but they are preparing routes for flying cars.

HERE is backed by Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Intel, NTT, Robert Bosch, Continental and Pioneer. It is a location tech platform.

In Germany, BMW’s Personal Pilot Level 3 automated driving function will be available in March 2024. HERE HD Live Map plays a central role here. In 2021, the same maps assisted Mrecedes-Benz Level 3 autonomous driving. Uber chose HERE maps to aid its geolocation functionalities and improve its pick-up and drop-off locations.

HERE has on its payroll 6500 employees, of which 3700, almost half, are located in India. Data processing, crunching and managing is done in India.

Though backed up by nine corporations, they have full operational autonomy. Over time, it will be an independent company. The three German companies will be their biggest customers, instead of owners. Though Audi BMW and Mercedes are the owners now, they do not get any preference over other customers. Mike Nef Kens is the CEO of HERE Technologies.