Using Pokémon Go to Map the World

About this episode

Brian McClendon discusses the challenges and innovations in creating a three-dimensional map of the world using insights from Pokémon Go.

Maps have gotten much better over the past few decades. But they're still mostly two dimensional, and they struggle to keep up with a world that is always changing. Brian McClendon is the Chief Technology Officer of Niantic Spatial, a spinout of the company that makes Pokémon Go. Brian's problem is this: How do you build a three-dimensional map of the world that both robots and humans can use to find their way? In this episode, Brian explains:  What he learned building Google Earth  How Pokémon Go players helped build the foundation for robot navigation What it will take to teach AI to understand the physical world. Why GPS is so bad in cities  Why trees are such a big problem for digital mapmakers Connect with us: Follow Jacob Goldstein on LinkedIn , X and Instagram  Email us at problem@pushkin.fm   Follow Pushkin on Instagram , LinkedIn or X   Listen to Jacob’s other show, Business History  To listen to the show early and ad free, sign up for Pushkin+ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People in this episode

Host: Jacob Goldstein

Guest: Brian McClendon

Topics covered

• 3D mapping
• robot navigation
• AI understanding
• urban GPS challenges
• digital mapping

Keywords

• 3D maps
• robot navigation
• AI
• GPS
• urban mapping
• Pokémon Go
• Brian McClendon

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Niantic Spatial, Google Earth, Pushkin, iHeartPodcasts

Products: Pokémon Go

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