How accurate and complete is the Tesla database of cameras?
Tesla is constantly enhancing the ownership experience through its over-the-air software updates. In an upcoming update, the EV maker plans to improve the navigation system by adding speed-camera and red-light-camera awareness. Additionally, features like "Avoid construction on route" and U-turn control will be integrated into the Teslamaps app.
Although Tesla arguably offers the best in-car software among automakers, owners often criticize the lack of smartphone integration, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While Teslamaps provides excellent navigation, it lacks crowd-sourced reports like those available on Waze. Consequently, many Tesla owners use a phone stand to access Waze for alerts about speed traps, car crashes, and road hazards.
Earlier this year, Tesla enthusiast Green (@greentheonly) analyzed Tesla software to understand how Tesla vehicles plot routes and issue directions in the navigation app. Green discovered that Tesla goes beyond simply using Google Maps data. Instead, it fetches data from Google Maps and processes it through its own routing engine, combining road and traffic data with information gathered by other Tesla vehicles driving in the area.
Tesla also utilizes Full Self-Driving (FSD) and Autopilot data to enhance navigation, ensuring better performance in areas where other Teslas have previously driven. The navigation system is more likely to recommend routes where Autopilot and FSD have been successful for other drivers. Despite these advancements, Tesla owners have requested the ability to report speed cameras and road hazards, similar to Waze. Tesla appears to be moving in this direction with the latest software updates to its navigation system.
In software version 2023.38, released in October, Tesla hinted at adding the capability to automatically send road reports when the vehicle's cameras detect objects on the road. These alerts will be shared with other Teslas in the area and potentially with other road users subscribed to alert services utilizing Tesla data. Tesla is quickly expanding this traffic alert system, as evidenced by Green's recent findings.
Software version 2023.27.12, released with FSD Beta V11.4.8.1 on December 1, introduces speed camera alerts for both fixed and mobile cameras. Tesla vehicles on this software version can also alert drivers to red light cameras and combined light-plus-speed cameras via Teslamaps. The update also includes options to "avoid construction on route" and U-turn control.
While the presence of these features doesn't guarantee immediate activation, they are expected to roll out to all Tesla vehicles in the future, including those outside North America. It's still unclear whether drivers will be able to report speed traps themselves, as they do on Waze, or if Tesla will rely on a proprietary or third-party database for camera locations.
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