Noah Gedrimas of GPR Ground Positioning Radar™ discusses a new approach to mapping and creating smaller datasets for comprehensible, safe, driverless navigation.
In the rapidly evolving world of digital mapping and localization, Ground Positioning Radar™ is carving out a unique niche, thanks to its innovative approach to data collection and utilization. The company’s Vice President of Strategy, Noah Gedrimas, recently shed light on the eTech Learning Podcast about the distinctive advantage their technology offers over traditional mapping and localization methods.
One specific aspect of Ground Positioning Radar’s innovation is the compactness of its data layer. Unlike conventional sensors such as LiDAR or cameras that survey hundreds of meters, Ground Positioning Radar’s technology focuses on a much shorter field of view (specifically of the subsurface)—just three meters deep and as wide as the vehicle itself. This concentrated approach results in a significantly smaller amount of data being generated; highly important as large datasets can cause computational complexity and extensive manual annotation, limiting autonomous driving.
Noah explains the significance of this: “Our data layer is really small. So the data coming from the radar, it’s very unique.” This uniqueness isn’t just about the size of the data but also about how it’s utilized. The reduced data size enables GPR to efficiently manage large-scale projects, such as city-wide mapping.
What sets Ground Positioning Radar apart is its ability to harness these compact data layers for extensive applications. “Our data layer for huge swaths, like entire cities, is very small,” Noah points out. This efficiency is pivotal in enabling the company to implement crowdsource map building and updating. By leveraging the small data size, GPR can easily handle over-the-air updates, ensuring that their maps are always current and reliable.
This innovative approach holds immense potential for various industries, particularly those requiring accurate and up-to-date geographical data, like ports or mining and quarry. The compact data layers not only make the technology more manageable but also more scalable, allowing for quicker updates and lower costs.
GPR’s technology is a testament to how creative solutions can transform industries. As Noah Gedrimas eloquently puts it, their method is about doing more with less—less data leading to more efficient and effective mapping solutions.
The implications of this technology are vast. From urban planning to autonomous vehicle navigation, the applications are as diverse as they are impactful. Ground Positioning Radar is not just changing the way we think about mapping and localization; it’s redefining the potential of what can be achieved with innovative thinking and a focused approach to data.
Tune in to the full episode here or wherever you listen to podcasts.
