Using Pokémon Go to Map the World

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.