Vehicle Selection Criteria for Map Data Collection Vehicles

1. Background and Terminology

Map collection vehicles are seen on the streets from many companies, but what kind of vehicle should be used as the carrier, and what requirements does the carrier have? Is any vehicle acceptable?

As an experienced vehicle builder, I will reveal the less‑known aspects of carrier selection.

This article first introduces the key indicators for carrier selection and explains related professional terms.

Map Collection Vehicle

A vehicle equipped for collecting map data, typically fitted with one or more cameras, LiDAR, GNSS, IMU and other sensors, as well as power systems, a control unit, and an on‑board computer. These devices acquire images, point clouds, and spatial GNSS data, which can be processed into map information.

Map‑collection vehicle block diagram

Carrier Vehicle

A car that carries the map‑collection system, meeting usability, reliability, and safety indicators such as roof rack load capacity, generator power, and maintainability.

2. Vehicle Selection

Selection starts from requirements: sensor field‑of‑view, power capability, operating environment, endurance, and maintenance needs.

Typical requirements are listed in the table below.

The next step is to break down the requirements, evaluate market‑available vehicles, modify, integrate, test, and finally certify the chosen carrier.

2.1 Selection Parameters

To maximize business needs, many parameters must be considered, including general and project‑specific requirements such as vehicle dimensions, interior space, roof rack, energy type, etc.

When choosing a carrier, evaluate each parameter against the requirements and select the best fit. Low‑sales or hard‑to‑maintain models should be avoided.

2.1.1 Vehicle Exterior and Dimensions

Principle: minimize vehicle body obstruction of sensors. Simulate sensor occlusion based on vehicle 3‑D models; if no model is available, create one.

For a 360° horizontal and ~180° vertical panoramic camera, a short‑wheel‑base hatchback or SUV (e.g., Volkswagen Polo Cross, 3987 × 1705 × 1486 mm) reduces obstruction compared with a sedan.

The rear should be short and vertical to avoid laser‑scan blockage, and overall vehicle height should stay below 2.5 m to pass typical clearance limits.

2.1.2 Interior Space

Interior space must accommodate both operators and equipment. Operators need comfortable seating for heights up to 1.9 m and space for luggage and office supplies.

Equipment such as high‑end sensors and control cabinets must fit inside the vehicle, with considerations for vibration, heat dissipation, and maintainability. Historically, cabinets were placed in the trunk; now they are often mounted beside the driver for better vibration isolation, cooling, and serviceability.

Cabinet in trunk (early version)

Cabinet beside driver (current version)

Benefits of driver‑side placement:

Reduced vibration, improving hard‑drive reliability.

Improved cooling via direct airflow from the passenger‑side vent.

Enhanced maintainability; technicians can quickly access the cabinet.

2.1.3 Roof Rack

The original roof rack must support the heavy sensor payload (often tens to hundreds of kilograms). A typical requirement is a load capacity of at least 60 kg for a 50 kg payload.

Non‑structural or glued racks should be rejected. Metal (e.g., aluminum alloy) racks with verified specifications are preferred. Example: Volkswagen T‑Cross rack rated for 75 kg.

Volkswagen T‑Cross roof‑rack parameters

For some models, reinforcement of the rack is necessary to withstand acceleration forces.

Reinforced rack (used for rugged routes)

2.1.4 Generator

The vehicle’s alternator powers the collection system. Selection rule: generator power ≥ (system load + vehicle load) + 20 A margin.

Insufficient generator capacity can cause power shortages, especially under high temperature or aging conditions, leading to system reboots.

Generator specifications are rarely listed in manuals; they must be verified on‑site or obtained from the dealer’s parts database.

Example: a Volkswagen model’s alternator parameters (photo from engine bay) and parts‑catalog verification.

In‑field inspection (engine bay photo)

Parts‑catalog verification

Some companies add external generators, which requires larger interior space and incurs high conversion costs (5‑10 k CNY per unit) and safety concerns; therefore, this solution is generally avoided.

3. Summary

Choosing a suitable carrier vehicle requires thorough analysis of many parameters and a strict workflow: vehicle selection, dealer inspection, prototype modification, testing, finalization, and mass production.

Vehicle selection is a technical skill; continuous monitoring of market models is essential to quickly match a vehicle when a new project arises, and to plan alternatives when a model is discontinued.

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