The rise of Z-Axis navigation: Transforming vehicle technology and mapping

Vehicle navigation has evolved dramatically, driven by the demand for advanced software that goes beyond simple point-to-point guidance. Modern systems assist the entire journey with smart decision-making, real-time multi-level environmental updates, and insights into overall vehicle performance.

The world has moved beyond traditional 2D mapping into a hyper-realistic mirror world, powered by cutting-edge technologies and solutions. Navigation is no longer just about latitude and longitude—it now incorporates elevation and its dynamic nature, adding a crucial dimension to precision and safety in mobility.

Why the Z-Axis matters

Experts emphasise that vertical positioning, or the Z-axis, has become a critical component in modern vehicle technology. With the growing prevalence of software defined vehicles (SDVs), it is driving innovation across the mobility ecosystem.

“Globally, the industry is making strides in leveraging high-definition mapping and 3D positioning to integrate the Z-axis into ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) and autonomous driving. In India, while adoption is still at an early stage, the increasing penetration of connected vehicle technologies is setting the foundation for more advanced capabilities. As road infrastructure modernizes and regulatory frameworks evolve, we can expect to see a greater emphasis on accurate 3D mapping to improve safety and driver assistance features,” explains Abhijit Sengupta, Senior Director & Head of Business for Southeast Asia and India at HERE Technologies.

Sengupta adds, “Traditional GPS (Global Positioning System) provides latitude and longitude (X and Y coordinates), the Z-axis or vertical positioning enables vehicles to understand elevation changes. This is crucial in enhancing safety and precision in vehicle navigation and ADAS because the Z-axis helps to inform us about lane-level navigation, adaptive cruise control, and collision avoidance in multi-level environments.”

India’s position in 3D Mapping

Rakesh Verma, Co-founder & Chairman and Managing Director of MapmyIndia Mappls, highlights how 3D mapping and Z-axis integration are rapidly shaping mobility worldwide. “Globally, 3D mapping and the use of the Z-axis are rapidly becoming integral to the advancement of technology, especially in sectors like transportation, urban planning, and autonomous driving. Many countries are integrating these technologies into their infrastructure to support safer and more efficient mobility solutions.”

However, achieving extensive and accurate mapping in India presents unique challenges. Verma explains, “One of the primary hurdles is the sheer geographical diversity and complexity of the country. From dense urban environments to remote rural areas, India’s diverse terrain presents significant obstacles for consistent mapping at scale.”

Additionally, the rapid pace of urbanization further challenges real-time updates. “New roads, buildings, and infrastructure are constantly being built, making it a challenge to maintain up-to-date, real-time maps. Capturing and standardising inconsistent addressing systems across cities, varied driving behaviours across regions for use across applications has been a technological challenge too,” he points.

Another significant challenge is positional accuracy, crucial for autonomous driving, ADAS, and connected vehicles. “In India, road quality, traffic conditions, and terrain vary widely, which means that to ensure safe navigation and operational efficiency, maps need to include not just 2D data but also 3D and Z-axis data—such as elevation, slopes, and detailed landmark models,” Verma adds.

Reflecting that public-private partnerships will play a vital role in achieving early wins, especially in areas like traffic management, intelligent signalling, pedestrian safety, and V2V (Vehicle-to-Vehicle) communication, Prakash Nagarajan, Vice President, Collaboration and Connected Solutions (CSS) – MOVE, Tata Communications, says, “The Z-axis will serve as an essential outer layer, enriching these advancements by adding depth to navigation, safety, and real-time decision-making.”

How NavIC can revolutionise mapping in India

On the role of NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) in precision mapping and positioning, Verma says, “In terms of NavIC adoption, while the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) is a crucial element in providing more accurate and reliable positioning in India, its widespread adoption faces some hurdles too. The current global standard for GPS systems is dominated by other satellite systems like the US-based GPS, Russia’s GLONASS, and Europe’s Galileo.”

However, NavIC provides a distinct advantage for India, particularly in urban canyons and areas with poor satellite visibility. As adoption of SDVs and connected vehicles increases, the challenge lies in industry ensuring that NavIC’s integration into vehicles is seamless to support real-time navigation and safety-critical applications. “With NavIC becoming mandatory more and more devices and vehicles will have to offer compatibility. This shift will significantly enhance mapping accuracy and real-time positioning in India,” Verma adds.

The road ahead: AI and real-time mapping

With SDVs relying heavily on high-definition maps and real-time data, the importance of accurate, continuously updated maps is more critical than ever. As SDVs evolve, they will require a combination of real-time localization, AI-driven decision-making, and integration with systems like NavIC for more precise positioning. “The integration of machine learning (ML) and AI-based data processing will play a pivotal role in enhancing mapping accuracy while significantly reducing update times. By leveraging real-time data, AI can refine navigation, obstacle detection, and route optimization, making autonomous and assisted driving safer and more efficient,” says Verma.

The future of mobility lies in intelligent, adaptive mapping systems—where AI, real-time localization, and advanced satellite positioning work seamlessly to create a safer, smarter driving experience.

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