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MAP IV

Category: Robotics / Embodied AI

A spatial intelligence startup that develops high-precision 3D mapping and localization technologies, providing hardware and software solutions for autonomous driving, infrastructure maintenance, and smart city applications. MAP IV was founded in 2016. The company is led by Kazuki Tanaka. Based in Nagoya, Japan. Team size: 50-100. Total funding raised: Undisclosed. Latest round: Strategic Investment (Undisclosed, 2023-10) - MAP IV. Key investors include Tier IV, Aisan Technology, Zenrin Future Partners, Asia Air Survey, Okaya & Co..

Founded
2016
Headquarters
Nagoya, Japan
Team size
50-100
Total funding
Undisclosed

Value proposition

Enables survey-grade 3D mapping (MMS equivalent) using portable, lower-cost hardware while reducing data processing time by approximately 50% compared to traditional methods.

Products and solutions

SEAMS (Spatially Enhanced Advanced Mapping System): A portable/wearable LiDAR measurement hardware series including SEAMS ME (Backpack/Handheld) and SEAMS LX., MAP IV Engine: A proprietary SLAM-based software that processes LiDAR data into high-precision 3D point cloud maps., Eagleye: An open-source, multi-sensor fusion localization system utilizing low-cost GNSS and IMU sensors., Autonomous Driving Integration Services: Full-stack system integration support for the Autoware-based autonomous driving ecosystem.

Unique value

Developed a workflow that allows handheld and wearable devices to achieve 'Public Survey' accuracy (within 5cm), a feat previously reserved for expensive, vehicle-mounted Mobile Mapping Systems (MMS).

Target customer

Autonomous vehicle developers, infrastructure management companies (road/bridge inspection), construction and surveying firms, and smart city urban planners.

Industries served

Automotive & Autonomous Mobility, Infrastructure & Civil Engineering, Construction & Surveying (BIM/CIM), Smart City & Digital Twin, Robotics & XR

Technology advantage

Leverages proprietary LiDAR SLAM algorithms that maintain stability in GNSS-denied environments like tunnels or indoor facilities, combined with automated noise-removal (moving objects) for clean 3D data generation.

How they differentiate

MAP IV differentiates by achieving 'survey-grade' 3D mapping accuracy (within 5cm) using portable and wearable hardware (SEAMS) rather than expensive vehicle-mounted systems. Unlike software-only SLAM providers like Kudan, MAP IV offers integrated hardware-software workflows specifically optimized for the Autoware autonomous driving ecosystem and Japanese public survey standards.

Main competitors

Kudan, Dynamic Map Platform (DMP), NavVis

Key partnerships

NTT West Group: Strategic alliance for AI-driven road infrastructure inspection (Audin AI)., Tier IV: Core technology partner for the Autoware autonomous driving ecosystem., Zenrin & Aisan Technology: Collaborations for high-definition (HD) map data and automotive systems., CalTa: Integration with the 'TRANCITY' digital twin platform for construction site management.

Notable customers

NTT West (Road maintenance AI), Tier IV (Autonomous driving software), CalTa (Digital twin platform TRANCITY), Nagoya University

Major milestones

Founded in Sept 2016 as a spin-off from Nagoya University, Integrated with 'Perception Engine' in July 2022 to enhance sensor fusion capabilities, Launched SEAMS (Spatially Enhanced Advanced Mapping System) portable LiDAR series, Established strategic alliance with NTT West for AI-driven infrastructure inspection in 2023

Growth metrics

Operating with a team of 50-100 employees; significant growth in infrastructure inspection sector through NTT West partnership.

Market positioning

Leading Japanese provider of portable 3D spatial intelligence and infrastructure-specific SLAM solutions.

Geographic focus

Japan (primary), expanding into Southeast Asia and global autonomous driving markets via the Autoware Foundation.

Patents and IP

Utilizes multiple patented technologies related to 3D point cloud processing and high-precision localization, though specific registration numbers are not publicly detailed for all modules.

About Kazuki Tanaka

Kazuki Tanaka joined Toyota Tsusho Corporation in 2012, where he spent over seven years managing global trading, manufacturing operations, and M&A projects. He joined MAP IV in January 2020 and served as COO before being appointed Representative Director and CEO in June 2024. He holds an MBA from GLOBIS University and is a certified Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultant.

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