New 3D navigation systems help save fuel

Intermap Technologies is working on a project linking a car or truck navigation and driver assistance systems to three-dimensional road maps, opening up new ways of saving fuel. The initial focus is on a system that feeds the vehicle systems with road data coming up ahead such as slopes and bends resulting in automatic adjustments of speeds and gear shifting, according to the company. Intermap's 3D road geometry is used to identify information on the road slope that lies ahead. An optimal control system is then designed to predict and achieve ideal engine speed, based on the road geometry, with the consideration of fuel consumption and travel time. The basic function of this optimal control system is to automatically gauge when best to accelerate, decelerate or change gears going into and coming out of slopes and curves. The new technology could also be especially useful for hybrid vehicles that use brake regeneration energy, improving the energy management between electric drive and the combustion engine, according to the company. However, mobile 3D navigators would also be useful for hikers, mountain bikers and other offroad enthusiasts in calculating the maximum calory consumption of a particular route.