Street Level Data Vault
Users can contribute to the Navigate Maps Aerial Street Level Data Vault - the second Navigate Data Vault - by uploading street-level imagery through our Data Upload web application. Uploaded imagery will then be ingested into the Navigate Maps pipeline where it will be cleaned, processed and combined with other imagery to provide a high-resolution and updated street view of the world!
Before you upload any street level imagery, be sure to take a look at our general guidelines to ensure that high-quality imagery is captured.
Currently, users can upload street-level videos to Navigate Maps via the web application. Once uploaded, these files will be processed and converted to geotagged images and will ultimately be available for users to explore in the Navigate Maps Alpha.
The most exciting part about this vault is you can capture imagery form any camera - no need to purchase special equipment from us!
The Navigate platform allows contributors to capture videos with any device of their choice as long as the content is at street-level, the device captures quality content (4K), and GPS data with timestamps are included in the files.
Below is a list of example device and equipment options for capturing street-level data that contributors can work with!
Dashboard Camera
Dashcams mounted inside the windshield of a vehicle are a great and simple way for contributors to capture high-resolution street-level imagery. Contributors can passively earn rewards by turning on their dashcam and capturing footage while they drive around town!
While we do not require you use one specific dashcam model, we do recommend a dashcam that allows you to download 4K footage. But you should feel free to choose the best one for you!
Here are a few examples of dashboard cameras that capture street-level imagery:
- Garmin Dash Cam 57
- RedTiger F7N
- BlackVue DR900X, DR900M
360° Cameras and “Action” Cameras
This option is a great way for contributors to capture 360° videos - which will be essential elements in helping build out upcoming features in Navigate Maps. These cameras can be used while driving a vehicle, riding on a bike, or just simply walking around to capture high-quality street-level imagery.
Action cameras are also ideal for stabilization and reducing motion blur when mounted on vehicles, bicycles, etc.
Here are a few examples of 360° and action cameras that capture street-level imagery:
- GoPro MAX 360 Action Camera
- Garmin VIRB 360 Camera
- Insta360 ONE
Smartphones
Smartphones (or mobile phones) provide contributors with an incredibly easy way to capture video. Phones can mounted inside a car windshield (like a dashcam), mounted on a bicycle handle, or just handheld while walking around. No worries if you don’t have a dashcam or action camera, if you have a smartphone, then you can provide imagery!
Please note, in order to properly capture GPS track on your phone, a third-party application may be required. More details on this below.
Below are some helpful guidelines for capturing high quality street-level imagery:
- If using a mobile device or handheld camera, keep the device direction constant while moving
- If capturing imagery via vehicle or bicycle, use a mount for the device
- Adjust the camera to be aligned with the horizon
- Capture at a height no more than a couple of meters above the ground
- Try to capture imagery in environments with decent lighting and visibility. Precipitation and low-light environments will result in lower-quality images.
- If mounting the device on a vehicle or bicycle, ensure that no other objects (i.e. handlebars, parking passes in windshield, etc.) are obstructing the view of the camera
- Avoid capturing sensitive situations (accidents, etc.) and respect the privacy of others. Navigate does detect and obfuscate sensitive or personally identifiable information (faces, license plates, etc.) during the processing pipeline.
Here is an example of an acceptable street-level image for Navigate Maps:
Videos contributed to Navigate Maps must meet the following requirements:
- 1080p and 1440p
- 4K resolution or better is recommended
- Minimum 30 frames per second (fps)
- Included GPS track with timestamps
- Most mobile phones have built-in GPS and can record GPS tracks via third-party applications. For example, using an app like OsmAnd Maps and Navigation, a free application available on both iOS and Android, would provides functionality to record GPS tracks to GPX files. Please note that if you are using a smartphone, you would likely need a supplemental third-party app to capture the GPS requirements.
- Minimal blurriness and vibration in the video
The following video file formats are supported:
- .mp4
- .avi
- .tavi
- .mov
- .mkv
- .360
Videos must include a GPS track either embedded in the video file or provided separately as a .gpx, .nmea, .csv, .txt, .srt file.
The Navigate Team is currently developing a mobile application for capturing and uploading location tagged street-level images and video all in one place. This means you can simple download the Navigate app, and capture the imagery needed for Navigate Maps - no supplemental third-party apps would be required. Keep an eye out for updates regarding the release of the mobile application!
Last modified 5mo ago