To the human eye, a painted arrow or “BUS” stencil on asphalt may look like mere road decoration. But in the realm of autonomous vehicles, simulation, and digital twins, these markings are machine-readable logic—crucial for decision-making, localization, and behavioral prediction.
With RepliMap, our next-generation HD mapping tool at Automotive Artificial Intelligence (AAI) GmbH, we’ve brought road surface elements into the spotlight. Every line, letter, and symbol is mapped with 10 cm accuracy, and exported in industry-standard formats like ASAM OpenDRIVE and Lanelet2—ready for plug-and-play use in your simulation or autonomy workflow.
Road Paint as Road Logic
RepliMap transforms what’s typically considered a visual cue into a structured dataset, containing:
- Precise geometry: Including width, radius, heading, and orientation
- Vertical alignment: With full pitch and zOffset information for realistic rendering
- Display logic: Defining start and end range for each symbol’s visibility
- Regional standards: Each marking complies with country-specific codes, such as the DEU road symbol library
From speed limits stenciled on asphalt to turn arrows and bike lane symbols, RepliMap models markings that directly impact AV path planning and legal compliance.
Why These Details Matter
→ Guides Autonomous Lane Selection
Surface markings define turning permissions, bus lane boundaries, and route options. RepliMap makes this data usable for automated route logic and behavior planning.
→ Enables Training of Perception Systems
In simulation environments like CARLA, dSPACE, and IPG Automotive CarMaker, RepliMap’s precise marking data enables realistic camera sensor emulation for training computer vision algorithms.
→ Reflects Legally Binding Zones
Markings like “30” (zone speed limits), “BUS” (restricted lanes), or bicycle paths are not just informative—they’re enforceable. RepliMap ensures simulations respect these constraints.
→ Supports Rich Scenario Generation
Contextual road markings help simulation engineers build scenarios with ground truth layers that align with real-world driving logic, especially in testing critical edge cases.
It’s Not Just Paint—It’s Precision Infrastructure
In modern mobility, every pixel counts. Poorly modeled markings can mean the difference between accurate lane guidance and unintended behavior. That’s why RepliMap treats surface paint with the same geometric rigor as road edges, medians, or guardrails.
By combining visual realism with structured semantics, RepliMap bridges the gap between human-readable signage and machine-executable logic—delivering a foundation of trust for AVs, ADAS, and simulation platforms alike.
📌 RepliMap is currently in pre-release and being integrated across various simulation and autonomy stacks.
📬 For early access, documentation, or a demo tailored to your project, contact us at [email protected]