WIRED Staff
Science

Slideshow: Making a Map, One Block at a Time

For Navigation Technologies, the high-tech job of digitally mapping roadways involves the rather low-tech job of actually driving on them. It's a muddy business. By Joanna Glasner.
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A conical satellite receiver fixed to the roof of the car, which measures the car's location each second by global positioning satellites.Jeremy Barna

See related story: Making a Map, One Block at a Time

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In addition to a GPS connection, in-car laptops come equipped with an audio program that allows drivers to record a roadside feature, such as a no-left-turn sign, and store the data at the exact map location when it was passed.

Jeremy Barna
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Both driver and passenger note observations as they drive around. A drawing tablet helps the passenger make quick notes.

Jeremy Barna
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Mark Chillanis (front) and Matt Krause set off to find and document new uncharted roads for Navigation Technologies.

Jeremy Barna
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The computer tracks the exact location of the car.

Penny Hodges
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In addition to the satellite data, field analysts also make notations onscreen about roadside information relevant to drivers seeking the quickest way to their destinations.

Jeremy Barna
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The mapping team drives through a construction site in a new development on the outskirts of San Francisco to check the accuracy of their maps.

Penny Hodges