In a significant move aimed at advancing the future of automated driving, the ADASIS AISBL has published a comprehensive White Paper detailing the crucial role of the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Interface Specification (ADASIS). This initiative, created in 2002 by ERTICO – ITS Europe and HERE Technologies, has developed the industry de-facto standard for enabling map-enhanced driver assistance systems to access georeferenced data ahead of the current vehicle position, paving the way for automated driving (AD).

ADASIS was established by a consortium of major global vehicle industry organisations, united by a shared vision to define a standard ADAS interface. This interface aims to provide driver assistance and automated driving applications with access to the map database and other georeferenced data sources. By leveraging predictive and vehicle environment data, ADASIS enables these applications to optimise and enhance their performances, contributing to improved road safety, lower emissions, and enhanced driving comfort.

The ADAS Horizon Concept

At the heart of ADASIS is the ADAS Horizon concept, which functions as a predictive sensor. Digital maps allow drivers to anticipate the road ahead, extending their visible horizon and promoting safer, smarter, and cleaner mobility. These maps also provide redundant information alongside perception sensors, a critical feature for achieving the robustness required for high-level automation. ADASIS specifies the interface for exchanging georeferenced information between any digital map and driver assistance systems.

The newly published White Paper aims to build awareness and provide general information about ADASIS and its purpose. It emphasises the importance of ADASISv3 and future developments, positioning the Association within the automotive ecosystem as independent from map providers. Additionally, the document explains how ADASIS supports current and future challenges in automotive system development and serves as a tool for discussions with other initiatives related to automated driving systems (ADS).

ADASISv3 and the latest automotive trends

Key automotive trends such as the evolution of ADAS, software-defined vehicles, and the role of maps as sensor in automated driving are highlighted. The White Paper also addresses future vehicle architecture, including the transition from central distributed to cloud-based software architecture and the shift from CAN-based to IP-based in-vehicle and cloud networking.

ADASISv3, the latest iteration of the standard, is presented through various use cases that benefit from a detailed ADAS Horizon providing lane-level information, enabling precise localisation, supporting sensor fusion, and facilitating automated driving. The key messages underscore ADASISv3 as an open worldwide standard for transmitting map data, integrating multiple data sources into one horizon, representing dynamic geo-reference data, and serving as a communication protocol for efficient deployment.

ERTICO – ITS Europe played a pivotal role in the creation of ADASIS through thought leadership and stakeholder engagement.  ERTICO’s activities, including European co-funded projects, innovation platforms, international cooperation, advocacy, and events for innovating, promoting, and deploying Intelligent Transport Systems and Services (ITS) contributed to this initiative. By publishing this White Paper, ADASIS aims to federate members around common goals and foster future developments, ensuring that ADASIS continues to be a cornerstone in the advancement of automated driving technology.

Read the Press Release and the White Paper here.