AMAP was launched as a simple mapping and geolocation application. After integrating it with other local services to better cater to the facets of Chinese life and maintain agility in a highly competitive industry, Alibaba recently announced an AI-powered feature upgrade to AMAP.

Alibaba’s real-time mapping and navigation mobile app can be thought of as the Chinese equivalent of Google Maps, both of which are constantly being improved.

Amap – Alibaba’s Lifestyle Super App

Amap has previously been integrated with other local services such as business resource Koubei and travel booking tool Fliggy to form a comprehensive app catering to all facets of daily life in China.

Amap users looking for restaurants can check reviews, make reservations on Koubei or order with Ele.me, the food delivery service. The platform also operates Fliggy for booking hotels or buying tickets. It caters to all ages, including large fonts and special resources such as hospitals, parks and carpooling services for seniors.

Immersive navigation with virtual modeling

The upgraded system not only creates a digital twin of the world around the driver, including well-known landmarks rendered with 3D modeling, real-time traffic updates but also a virtual character for in-app guidance. It integrates real-time visual information (weather, traffic and natural environment…) into its 3D visualization mode.

In addition to driver and pedestrian perspectives, users can opt for a bird’s eye view or night mode to see landmarks in the dark. According to Sun Chong, AMAP project manager, ” The upgrade borrowed rendering technologies from the gaming industry. The virtual icons on the map look more realistic with improved shading.

The immersive navigation experience extends to local hotspots, making it easier to find stores and restaurants, even in huge shopping malls.

The feature is available in six Chinese cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou, with more urban metropolises in the works.

A digital creation named Xiao Gao Lao Shi (Teacher Gao) is an integral part of the latest Amap upgrade. Upon opening the app, she greets the driver and accompanies him through the 3D cities, turning the process of map reading into a conversation.

The driver can ask her questions about the destination, weather, real-time traffic situation, location of gas stations during their trip.

The virtual co-pilot will suggest the most energy-efficient routes and alert the driver to any impending obstacles, traffic jams or accidents along the way. In case of long driving periods, it will remind them that it might be wise to take a break.

Sun Chong commented:

“We hope Teacher Gao can create more privacy and comfort for users’ daily needs, not only functionally, but also emotionally.”

Translated from Jumeau numérique, modélisation 3D, copilote virtuel : Alibaba dévoile les dernières fonctionnalités de l’appli AMAP