Parkopedia has announced the launch of the production version of its indoor mapping technology for in-vehicle navigation use. Its indoor maps are based on high-definition 3D models of indoor parking facilities, where GPS signals are typically restricted. Indoor parking facilities currently present many challenges for drivers. These include navigation system blackouts, finding a vehicle within large parking facilities, and locating vital services such as electric vehicle charging stations.
London-based Parkopedia said its indoor mapping technology can be used in the following use cases:
- In-vehicle indoor navigation—no GPS dead zones
- Precise indoor positioning—locate your vehicle
- Automated valet parking—self-parking cars require indoor maps
As the automotive industry embraces a connected future, indoor mapping technology will deliver further key benefits to users, claimed the company. For drivers, this would mean never being lost again within parking facilities and enabling end-to-end, uninterrupted navigation to available parking spaces, independent of GPS availability. In addition, vehicle indoor positioning without GPS is a fundamental step in enabling autonomous parking, it said.
Parkopedia aims to ease EV charging
Finding electric vehicle (EV) chargers is still a significant pain point in the automotive industry as drivers transition to electric vehicles. Ensuring fast and easy access to public charging points is essential for automakers looking to persuade drivers to switch to electric vehicles, said Parkopedia.
The largest concerns for drivers are around range and where to find available charge points, the company said. Many chargers are hidden away in remote areas of parking facilities, with unclear signage and no navigation option to access these locations, only amplifying the issue.
To address this, Parkopedia said it has developed “as built” indoor maps based on current layouts, as opposed to “as designed” when EV chargers and other services were not featured in the original plans. This gives drivers the most accurate and fresh view of parking spaces and EV chargers, enabling seamless navigation regardless of GPS availability or on-site signage.
Mapping system to aid self-driving parking
Parkopedia’s indoor mapping solution supports common industry mapping formats required to deliver a superior end-to-end navigation user experience. For self-driving cars that will go on sale in the near future, indoor maps will enable automated valet parking, which will be one of the first use cases due to high driver demand, slower driving speeds and controlled environments inside parking facilities.
The company has worked on projects with leading European, American, and Asian car manufacturers. The announcement follows the completion of the Autonomous Valet Parking project, which successfully demonstrated the use of indoor mapping technology to autonomously park a vehicle within a multi-story parking facility without GPS signal.
Parkopedia has already mapped key parking facilities across Europe, with coverage increasing daily. In the coming months, the company plans to expand this coverage into new regions to cater to growing OEM and driver demands.
“Parkopedia had a clear vision from the start, and we have worked tirelessly to deliver an unparalleled level of accuracy to our indoor maps,” stated Dr. Brian Holt, head of HD maps at Parkopedia. “We have closely monitored the direction the industry is heading and the associated benefits with connectivity and autonomous driving, so starting to deliver an indoor mapping solution with OEMs is essential in meeting driver demands.”
“I look forward to seeing our product in production vehicles, helping drivers to effortlessly navigate, park and charge, and to the day when navigation systems going blank inside parking facilities becomes a distant memory for us all,” he added.
Parkopedia said its parking services are used by millions of drivers and organizations such as Audi, Apple, BMW, Ford, Garmin, GM, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Peugeot, Sygic, TomTom, Toyota, and Volkswagen. Parkopedia is available in 15,000 cities across 89 countries globally, covering over 70 million parking spaces. Parkopedia said it helps drivers find the closest, cheapest, or available parking to their destination; pay in selected locations; and navigate directly to the parking space.
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