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Automated Driving

6 min read

11 August 2025

The secret to fully autonomous driving? It’s not what you think

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As the future of driving moves into full autonomy, it's location technology that is taking over the wheel.

The journey to fully autonomous driving is reshaping how we think about transportation and on-road safety.

Self-driving cars are mostly seen as sophisticated vehicles equipped with cameras, sensors and flashy technology. But the reality is much simpler.

What makes self-driving cars work is mostly about knowing exactly where you are, all the time.

Because if a car can't pinpoint its exact position on the road, it's essentially driving blind. And this is why location technology is at the core of the autonomous driving evolution.

Sensing the difference

The discussion around autonomous vehicles usually focuses on advanced sensors, such as lidar, cameras and radar. While these technologies are essential, they’re only part of the equation.

The real innovation lies in how this sensor data is combined with precise location technology.

Autonomous vehicles demand centimeter-level precision and achieving this level of accuracy requires sophisticated location data that gives vehicles continuously updated information about the road.

For instance, a camera might recognize a stop sign, but location data ensures that drivers know the exact speed limit even when there are no visible signs.

This combination of cameras, radar and location data is what is behind Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA), ensuring the car follows speed regulations accurately and makes safer driving decisions.

Mapping autonomy

Traditional maps show you where roads are and how to get from point A to point B. Maps for autonomous vehicles need to go beyond that.

To successfully navigate the roads without human intervention, autonomous vehicles need detailed information such as the exact width of each lane, the height of every bridge, the location of traffic lights and even the texture of road surfaces.

HERE HD Live Map is a great example of a solution that leverages location data to provide the centimeter-level accuracy autonomous vehicles need to operate safely. The map updates in real-time, capturing everything from temporary construction zones to new traffic patterns.

When one car learns about a new pothole or road closure, that information gets shared instantly with every other vehicle in the network.

Another solution that provides autonomous vehicles with precise, always-updated navigation capabilities is HERE Navigation. By integrating real-time data such as traffic conditions, weather updates and road hazards, the platform ensures that vehicles can make smarter, safer driving decisions on the go.

Its modular design also allows automakers to tailor the system to their needs, enabling seamless integration with various in-car systems and future upgrades, further enhancing the potential of autonomous driving.

Reinventing adaptability

Static maps, no matter how detailed, can't capture the dynamic nature of real roads. Construction zones appear overnight, accidents block lanes and weather conditions change driving conditions in minutes.

Autonomous vehicles need to adapt to these changes instantly.

HERE Real-time Traffic enables a constant stream of updates that keep autonomous systems informed about changing conditions. This goes far beyond traditional traffic, including precise information about lane closures, speed limit changes and the behavior of other vehicles on the road.

The system creates a feedback loop where every autonomous vehicle becomes both a consumer and contributor of location data.

As these cars navigate the roads, they're constantly verifying and updating the shared map, making it more accurate for every vehicle that follows.

Nothing without location

The automotive industry often focuses on the aspects of autonomous driving that include the artificial intelligence algorithms, the sleek vehicle designs, or the promise of hands-free driving.

But the foundation that makes it all possible is location technology.

The HERE platform supplies routing capabilities that help autonomous vehicles plan optimal paths, taking into account real-time traffic conditions, road restrictions and specific capabilities of each vehicle. This foundation extends beyond just navigation.

An electric autonomous vehicle might choose a different route than a conventional car, optimizing for charging stations and energy efficiency.

Location technology enables features like precise parking, where a car can navigate into a tight space with millimeter accuracy, or automated valet services where vehicles can drop off passengers and park themselves.

Getting it right

The path to fully autonomous driving isn't just about making cars smarter. It's about creating an entire ecosystem of connected, location-aware vehicles and infrastructure.

Every traffic light, road sign, and parking space needs to become part of this connected network.

Autonomous vehicles could reduce the need for parking in city centers, enable new forms of shared transportation and make mobility accessible to people who can't drive traditional vehicles.

The technology is advancing rapidly, but the real breakthrough will come when location technology, artificial intelligence and vehicle systems work together seamlessly. That's when we'll see truly autonomous vehicles become a common sight on our roads.

Portrait of Maja Stefanovic

Maja Stefanovic

Senior Writer

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