A new age of mapmaking, powered by AI

A bird's eye view of traffic navigating a highway system.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is redefining the way we map the world, turning static navigation into dynamic, real-time systems that adapt as environments change.

A recent Newsweek article highlighted how artificial intelligence is reshaping modern mapping—changing how we navigate, plan and engage with our surroundings.

At the heart of this shift is HERE Technologies—for over four decades our company has helped shape the mapping industry, and with AI now at the core of what we do, we’re transforming how maps enhance everything from everyday commutes to complex logistics.

“We invented digital mapmaking, and we have continuously perfected that process over 40 years,” said Remco Timmer, Senior Vice President of Product Management at HERE. “Now, we are leveraging tens of millions of connected vehicles worth of sensor data that we transform into a digital map.”

This shift is enabling what we call live maps—constantly evolving representations of the world that reflect real-time changes. Whether there’s construction, a new traffic rule or a sudden road closure, live maps help ensure drivers and systems can react to changes as they happen.

This evolution aligns with the rise of software-defined vehicles (SDVs)—cars that update and improve over time via cloud-based software. As vehicles get smarter, they demand equally intelligent maps.

That’s why we work closely with carmakers to build next-gen navigation experiences that feel personal, seamless and brand-aligned. “The software becomes a critical part of how to manifest the brand and the brand experience, and the software is really the thing that provides the convenience for the users,” noted Timmer.

To support this, we’ve developed tools like HERE SceneXtract, which uses AI to turn raw vehicle data into detailed 3D map content, and HERE AI Assistant, which enables natural voice interaction and helps bring personalized driving experiences to life.

Of course, building the future of mapping comes with challenges—like ensuring privacy and managing the flood of data from millions of vehicles. But with AI in our toolbox, we're optimistic about solving them.

Read the full article on Newsweek.