As part of the government’s latest efforts toward a smart and driverless future, Dubai has announced that it a new partnership that will see the development of a high-definition mapping technology for the emirate.
The latest announcement comes as Dubai Roads and Transport Authority, RTA, of Dubai and HERE Technologies have signed a preliminary memorandum of understanding for long-term technology collaboration to develop of a data infrastructure to support safe, sustainable and efficient autonomous transportation, said a report by WAM.
HD map is a prerequisite element to move Dubai closer to its goal of having 25 percent of public transport self-driving services by 2030.
According to both parties, these efforts are in line with Dubai’s Smart City strategy and its self-driving transport roadmap, which ultimately aims to increase the quality of life for people in Dubai.
As part of the planned co-operation, RTA and HERE intend to conduct some pilots aimed at enabling HD Live Map, HERE’s map for autonomous cars, for public service vehicles operating in Dubai.
Abdulla Al Madani, CEO of RTA’s Corporate Technology Support Services Sector, and Leon van de Pas, SVP, Internet of Things at HERE Technologies, signed the MOU.
Al Madani noted that RTA’s commitment to working with internationally recognised technology companies to deliver the latest solutions to the public in Dubai.
“RTA has always been a forerunner in harnessing the most sophisticated technologies through collaborating with the world’s best providers taking into consideration the contribution to make Dubai the world’s smartest city and make its residents, tourists and visitors happy and satisfied,” Al Madani said.
HD Live Map is a high-definition and self-updating map designed to provide vehicles with accurate information about what is happening on the road.
“Dubai recognises the importance of new location technologies in making transportation more efficient, safer and sustainable for people. Driven by our vision of enabling an autonomous world for everyone, the HERE Technologies team is excited and energised to help Dubai deliver on its ambitious plans for a driverless future,” Leon van de Pas said.
