HERE powers Chinese automakers worldwide with AI-powered mapping technology

The automotive sector, particularly connected vehicles, automated driving, and software-defined vehicle (SDV) development, increasingly relies on high-precision location intelligence to ensure safe and scalable deployment across global markets. In this context, HERE Technologies presented its AI-powered mapping platform at Auto China 2026, held in Beijing at Hall A4, Booth #A414, highlighting its role in supporting Chinese automakers expanding internationally.

The company’s presence reflected growing adoption of its automotive-grade mapping and software solutions, with all of the top 10 Chinese automakers by export volume in 2025 using its platform. This positions location intelligence as a critical infrastructure layer for global vehicle deployment.

AI-powered mapping for automated driving and navigation
HERE’s platform combines high-definition (HD) maps, real-time data updates, and AI-driven processing to support advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and automated driving functions.

Its navigation software integrates streaming map technology, enabling continuous updates for improved accuracy and route optimization. This allows automakers to deploy navigation systems that support predictive routing and real-time adaptation to changing road conditions.

In addition, the platform enables integration with digital cockpit systems, combining navigation, visualization, and driver assistance features into a unified in-vehicle interface. This convergence is essential for delivering consistent user experiences across different vehicle models and geographic markets.

Lane-level data for NOA and regulatory compliance
A key focus of the showcase was the use of lane-level mapping and intelligent driving layers to support Navigation on Autopilot (NOA) and higher levels of driving automation, including L2++ and L3 systems.

These datasets provide detailed road geometry, localization inputs, and contextual information required for vehicle positioning and decision-making. Such precision is necessary for automated driving systems operating in complex urban and highway environments.

In parallel, HERE’s mapping solutions support compliance with regional safety regulations. Its Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) map is used by more than 90 automotive brands to meet European regulatory requirements, demonstrating the importance of standardized and validated location data for global vehicle deployment.

Scaling digital cockpit and global vehicle platforms
HERE’s navigation platform is designed for rapid integration into vehicle architectures, enabling deployment across multiple markets with reduced development time. The system supports high-fidelity rendering and responsive user interfaces, contributing to enhanced in-cabin experiences.

The platform currently powers location services in hundreds of millions of vehicles worldwide, including applications in navigation, driver assistance, and automated driving. This scale allows automakers to standardize location-based services across global fleets while maintaining region-specific compliance.

Tools for software-defined vehicle development
To support SDV architectures, HERE presented tools for simulation, validation, and AI model training. These include virtualized environments and data extraction technologies that enable automakers to develop and test automated driving functions without relying solely on physical road testing.

Such tools are used for sensor fusion development, system validation, and deployment optimization, helping reduce engineering complexity and development cycles. Integration with ecosystem partners further supports end-to-end workflows, from data generation to in-vehicle implementation.

Applications in global automotive markets
The technologies presented are particularly suited to:

By combining AI-powered mapping, real-time data, and development tools, HERE Technologies supports automakers in scaling intelligent vehicle functions across diverse regulatory and operational environments.

Edited by Natania Lyngdoh, Induportals Editor — Adapted by AI.

www.here.com