In the first of two features during the festive break, we’re reflecting on our most important articles on HERE 360 from 2017. These stories hold particular significance as we gear up for more big announcements at CES 2018!

So, in no particular order, here are our must-reads for 2017:

Why we need a self-healing map

The future of autonomous driving is largely dependent on trust. Not just trust in the vehicle itself, but also the data that powers it. The data must always be up to date-and-fresh. It also has to be super-precise.

This is why we created the HD Live Map; a highly-accurate, digitally-driven picture of the world that updates and corrects itself in real-time. In this post we talk about the need for this ‘self-healing’ map as the solution that will enable automated driving:

• How HERE HD Live Map perpetually heals itself

These posts are also worth checking out for more background on our HD Live Map:

• Evolution of the HD Live Map part 1: from standard def to high def
• HD Live Map Part 2: A literal trunk-load of data
• HD Live Map Part 3: perpetually adapting to change
     

Creating a digital representation of reality

Digital platforms are giving way to new business models. Car manufacturers are becoming mobility service providers; telecoms operators are converting to content and entertainment providers; and internet companies are conquering consumer industries like retail, banking and automotive.

Location is the common link, and collaboration is critical to helping us make better sense of our world today.

In this article, our CEO Edzard Overbeek talks about how HERE has opened up its location platform to create the Reality Index; an enormous digital representation of the physical world that aggregates and processes many sources of data: 

• Creating a digital representation of reality

For more reading on HERE’s Reality Index and autonomous innovation, check out:

• How HERE Reality Index mixes philosophy with map-making
• Plotting the route to innovation with newly appointed VP of Research
• https://360.here.com/tag/autonomous-world
  

4D tracking vital for supply chain insights

The ability to keep a close eye on the supply chain can empower a wide range of benefits, from improving efficiency to reducing emissions. However, there‘s still a lack of visibility into the supply chain and that's costing companies dearly.

The IoT can help transport and logistics companies to get a more accurate view of the supply chain. This article introduces the four dimensions of tracking, offering the ability to track items across an entire journey, from manufacturer to the container, to a dealer, importer and finally a warehouse:

• Exploring the four dimensions of tracking

This post also demonstrates HERE’s tracking solution in action, enabling participants and spectators to follow runners during the 44th BMW Berlin marathon:

• Become part of HERE's live tracking experience at the Berlin Marathon
  

Corporate news

2017 has been an important year for the HERE business, with a number of key alliances formed that will help us move closer to our vision of enabling the autonomous world for everyone.

Below are some of the most important partnerships that will help foster greater industry collaboration:

• Global technology leader Intel is HERE’s new investor and partner on autonomous cars and IoT technology
• Pioneer, a leading global manufacturer of consumer and professional electronics, will join Audi AG, BMW AG, Daimler AG, and Intel as shareholders of HERE
• HERE expands into China via joint venture with NavInfo Co., Ltd, a leading provider of digital maps and location services in China
  

Open Location Platform provides a foundation for innovation

Our goal at HERE is to be seen as the location platform company, empowering developers to create location-based applications that help accelerate innovation across different markets.

A key part of this is collaboration, and this article talks about how the HERE Open Location Platform will inspire users to share and work with each other's data, empowering the development of more varied, innovative services across a huge range of industries:

• How the Open Location Platform provides a foundation for innovation

For more reading on the importance of location in an autonomous world, see:

• Building the location layer for an autonomous world with HERE Developer Relations
• HERE tops the list in location platform effectiveness
  

Design: from product-led to solution-led

HERE is on a journey, moving from a project-driven organization to one driven by product solutions. Going forward we will bring solutions and products to the market independent of customer projects.

We want to offer unique, recognizable products that resonate with customers and these articles outline how our new vice president of design will enable this for our customers and partners:

• Taking the next step in the HERE journey with our new VP of Design
• Keeping the big picture in mind through design
  

Reaching untouched parts of the world

Highly accurate map capabilities are vital in providing precise navigation support for drone pilots. This year HERE announced a partnership with DJI to enable pilots to pinpoint locations on and offline.

The partnership marks a momentous leap in the increased functionality of drones on a global scale, giving pilots more independence and inspiring them to be more adventurous:

• HERE and DJI take drones to the ends of the earth

The articles below also demonstrate HERE’s innovation in mapping for drones:

• What drones are doing right now
• 4D mapping can change the world

So, that concludes my top picks for 2017. But what do you think? In our next feature we’ll be summarizing the key articles of 2017 as chosen by you, our readers.