Westfield and OS reach an understanding

It will support a wider range of autonomous vehicle operations by improving access to detailed and accurate mapping.

Julian Turner, chief executive at Westfield, said: “We’re very excited about strengthening our working relationship with Ordnance Survey. This MoU will allow us to further advance and improve our autonomous vehicle operations, particularly in areas which desperately need access to sustainable, reliable and flexible transport."

By utilising 3D high definition mapping capability, this partnership will add significant value to the autonomous vehicle industry.

Andy Wilson, region director for Europe and Africa at Ordnance Survey, said: “This MoU further cements our relationship with Westfield Technology Group. We’re excited about collaborating on this important project, which is another example of how accurate, up-to-date geospatial data and mapping is key to the success of new and emerging technologies.”

Previous collaborations between Westfield Technology Group and Ordnance Survey include jointly collaborating with Emirates Group in Dubai and mapping potential autonomous vehicle routes in the Lake District for the Innovate UK-funded project LAVIS.

Westfield is also known for its sports cars with more than 20,000 sold worldwide.

The Westfield POD is the UK’s first fully autonomous vehicle for first mile/;ast mile transportation. The POD has been developed in conjunction with Heathrow Airport and utilises the base technology platform from the work completed by ULTra PRT (Personal Rapid Transit).

The original system has now completed more than five million kilometres in a live commercial environment serving Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 POD Parking.