The Geospatial Commission has published a report highlighting the crucial role that location data and technologies will have in the safe rollout of autonomous vehicles on the UK’s roads.

The Commission warns there are challenges around data discoverability, accessibility and quality for autonomous cars

The expert committee, which advises government on the most productive and economically valuable uses of geospatial data, says that the connected and automated mobility (CAM) sector will have a transformational impact on society.

By 2035, 40% of cars in the UK could have self-driving capabilities – creating a market worth as much as £42bn and generating up to 38,000 new jobs.

Connected, self-driving vehicles could reduce congestion and make our journeys safer and more efficient, and better serve those with accessibility needs.

But vehicles will rely on location data to know where they are in relation to their surroundings, including the kerbside, other vehicles and pedestrians. And the Commission warns there are challenges around data discoverability, accessibility and quality.

Its new report sets out what is already being done to meet these opportunities and challenges and some of the action areas for government, academia and industry to improve the quality and breadth of location data.

The Commission says the sector should:

• Improve the understanding of the road environment by addressing key location data gaps
• Improve how location data and location technologies can work together by defining accuracy standards
• Improve data sharing practices to make connected vehicles’ data more accessible and reusable

Steve Unger, independent commissioner, commented: “Connected and self-driving vehicles will revolutionise how we travel. They will make our roads safer, by eliminating avoidable accidents, and they will improve both efficiency and quality of life, through more effective management of congestion.

“They are made possible by technological advances in various areas, such as sensor technology and artificial intelligence, but the practical application of these new technologies depends critically on access to location data. Detailed mapping of the street environment, in a form that is readily discoverable, easily accessible, and of high quality, will be key to realising the potential benefits.”

To access the report, click here.