9.2 Digital Maps and Satellite Positioning in Support of CVHS

Onboard digital maps combined with satellite positioning can be seen as a type of cooperative system, as positioning data is received from outside the vehicle. Digital maps (a shorthand for the map/satellite positioning combination) can play a crucial role in supporting active safety systems as well as navigation. In previous chapters, we saw several references, including the applications of adaptive headlights and curve speed warning. Lane-level maps, which also include a rich data set regarding roadside hardware (guardrails, signs, bridge abutments), are under development for future systems, so that, for instance, a radar system has additional data in distinguishing on-road from off-road objects.

Automotive researchers have identified a wide range of applications that could be enhanced by digital map data. These include the following:

• Curve speed warning;

• Curve speed control;

• Adaptive light control;

• Vision enhancement;

• Speed limit assistant;

• Path prediction;

• Fuel consumption optimization;

• Power train management;

• ACC;

• ACC optimized for heavy trucks;

• Stop & go Acc;

• LKA;

• LCA;

• Collision warning/avoidance;

• Autonomous driving.

The map data assists in the overall scene interpretation in several ways. Image processing systems are complemented by map data on where the road is supposed to be, which can generally improve lane detection and reduce false alarms. Additionally, when the presence of exit ramps and splits in the road are known from the digital map, lane detection algorithms can take these features...