BMW MicroNavigation to go where no map has gone before

BMW MicroNavigation provides detailed maps of enclosed structures and transfer maps and directions to your smartphone.

(Credit: BMW)

Current in-vehicle navigation systems are good at getting you from door to door, but BMW's next-generation MicroNavigation could tell you where to go once you're behind the door.

MicroNavigation provides detailed maps and directions of complex enclosed structures. This last-mile navigation solution is designed to save you time when looking for the absolute shortest route to your airport ticketing gate, or to help you find your car in a crowded parking lot.

The MicroNavigation technology uses detailed maps, networked cameras, and GPS coordinates to create lane-specific driving instructions.

(Credit: BMW)

It's part of BMW's ConnectedDrive, and is currently being tested in the 3-series in Germany. Before a trip, drivers look up their destination on a computer and, if a micro map is available, send the map to their car's navigation system.

Once in the car, the prototype technology uses this detailed information, networked camera information, and GPS coordinates to create lane-specific driving instructions that guide you to an open parking space at your destination.

But wait, there's more!

Outside of the vehicle, MicroNavigation transfers the map and directions to the driver's smartphone, as well as reverse directions for the way back. It's a technology advancement that will finally be able to offer an answer to the eternal question of, "Where did I park my car?"