3D Map Competition

Kakao Map released the Android version of Kakao Map, a new map service by completely improving “Daum Map Application” on September 19.
Kakao Map released the Android version of Kakao Map, a new map service by completely improving “Daum Map Application” on September 19.

 

Map-navigation service competition in the ICT industry is evolving into a 3D spatial information race. This is because 3D spatial information significantly elevates not only mobile navigation but also the level of ads based on users’ locations and O2O services.

Moreover, spatial information expands into the insides and underground areas of buildings beyond ground information, enabling real estate brokerage, tourism and game services based on augmented reality (AR) technology. That is to say, 3D spatial information is emerging as new profit sources with the unlimited expansion of services based on it.

In particular, a self-driving car service where global ICT players are intensifying competition these days has to connect cars to exact locations where people are standing. In regard to drone deliveries, as drones have to tell the first and third floors, 3D spatial information is rising as one of key words in companies’ new business competition.   

Accordingly, global internet companies such as Naver, Google and Baidu are stepping up navigation services based on map data. German automakers such as Audi, BMW and Daimler took over Here, a global map service from Nokia.

In addition, Uber, a global car sharing company which has grown based on “Google Map” began to produce its own map last month. Apple is securing European and Chinese 3D map data through strategic ties with TomTom, a Dutch navigation company and Didichuxing, the largest car sharing company in China in a roundabout way. They are investing huge amounts of money, time and human resources in securing 3D spatial information which reflects real streets and roads prior to the commercialization of self-driving cars. The utilization of 3D spatial information can realize self-driving by recognizing nearby buildings even if lanes cannot be seen as the road is covered with snow or the car runs at night.

In Korea, SK Telecom, Naver and Kakao among others are having a mobile navigation race. Kakao launched “Kakao Map (Android version)” with 3D spatial information ahead of its competitors on the day. The company introduced “3D Sky View” of the Seoul and Seongnam areas by making a sweeping change in “Daum Map” and partnering with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. While conventional map services show 2D information via satellite and aerial photos, 3D Sky View shows not only buildings but also restaurants, fashion stores and cafes on different floors.  

It is known that SK Telecom is developing a new service which mixes its T Map service that boasts the largest number of users in Korea and 3D spatial information. “We are studying how to apply 3D spatial information which tells each floor to T Map in preparation for the commercialization of self-driving cars which have to directly connect to people," said a high-ranking representative of SK Telecom.
 
Naver began to develop a car platform through which drivers can enjoy map, navigation, music, information search and news services offered by Naver in cars by striking a strategic deal with Green Car, a car sharing company in Korea. Big data such as driving patterns and service use types will be applied not only to car insurance but also to the development of software for auto driving.  

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