Research into automated driving systems requires a wide variety of components within a test field – from digital maps to traffic management interfaces.
The Test Bed Lower Saxony enables high-precision data acquisition and processing as well as evaluation of traffic situations, which are used in a targeted manner to improve road safety and develop new driver assistance systems.
The main focus of the test field is the recording technology with almost 300 camera systems on selected stretches of road and the testing of Car2X communication via integrated communications technologies.
In addition, other core components play an important role:
High-precision digital maps (HD Maps – High-Definition Maps) are an essential component for testing automated vehicles that communicate with each other. They contain important topographical information on traffic infrastructure, buildings or roads and serve as a reference for the research vehicles in the test field.
A wide variety of relevant scenarios and models serve as a basis for simulation-based investigations of vehicles or vehicle components. Among other things, these scenarios consist of special traffic densities and driving situations. Route guidance and environment models that describe the behaviour of road users in the test field are also available for simulations.
For optimal testing of automated and networked vehicles, we have an additional interface to the Lower Saxony Traffic Management Centre (Verkehrsmanagementzentrale Niedersachsen; VMZ). The VMZ processes a large amount of traffic data and makes it available to the public. This data processing includes current traffic situations and an overview of existing and future roadworks.
The services provided or additional information on the traffic situation can be transmitted to the research vehicles. This is done via the communications technologies in the test field.
The property registry of the Test Bed Lower Saxony maintains important status information on the traffic infrastructure and surroundings. This includes data on:
Any anomalies and errors can thus be included in the planning and evaluation of the tests.
Operation of the test field involves close cooperation with the state of Lower Saxony and various partners from industry. The construction was financed with funds from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), among others. In addition, we have an interface with the Lower Saxony Traffic Management Centre (VMZ).
Can the collected and provided data be used for our own tests?
We make all DLR data and systems available to external partners and customers for their own tests. Please contact us for further information or send us a booking request.
Is personal data from the test field stored?
Data protection is very important to us. Our sensor and camera systems do not store any personal data (number plates, faces).