Jakarta, INTI - The South Korean government decision to approve Google’s request to export high-precision map data last month led to companies planning to boost their map service with artificial intelligence (AI) rather than just providing map accuracy.
The government approved the transfer of 1:5,000-scale map data overseas late last month, subject to additional safeguards. This decision comes nearly two decades after Google first submitted such requests in 2007 and again in 2016. Both requests were rejected due to national security concerns that sensitive facilities such as military bases could be exposed.
Under the conditions, Google must process the raw map data on a domestic partner's servers and export only limited navigation layers. The company must also use security-processed imagery with military sites blurred, while allowing Seoul to halt exports if it breaches the conditions.
1:5,000-scale maps, where 1 centimeter on map represents 50 meters in reality, are considered critical spatial infrastructure for services like navigation, autonomous driving, and location-based AI.
This approval is expected to reshape South Korea's mapping technology, which has been dominated with map services by Naver Map and Kakao Map. Without access to detailed local data, Google Maps operates with limited features in the country, particularly in providing turn-by-turn navigation.
Naver and Kakao’s AI Assistant Models to Compete with Google’s Gemini
If Google introduces a full navigation service, it could attract both domestic users and foreign visitors. As of January, Naver Map had 28.8 million monthly active users, followed by Kakao Map with 12.6 million, and Google Maps with 9.98 million.
Google has integrated its generative AI model, Gemini, into Google Maps overseas to enhance personalization. In response, local competitors like Naver Map and Kakao Map are accelerating their AI strategies.
Naver plans to launch an integrated AI assistant called Agent N, starting with its shopping service in the first half of this year before expanding to its own mapping platform. The assistant will analyze users' schedules, locations, and search history to design optimal routes and manage reservations.
Meanwhile, Kakao plans to launch Kanana, an agent-style AI feature, on KakaoTalk in the first quarter, following a closed beta launch last October. Kakao also introduced ChatGPT integration last October in partnership with OpenAI, which connects queries to services like Kakao Map, KakaoTalk Reservations, and KakaoTalk Gifts. Users with location-related queries are directed to Kakao Map to display relevant venues and details.
Conclusion
South Korean government’s approval last month to export high-precision map data to Google potentially leads to competition in map services in the country. The approval pushed domestic leading map services like Naver Map and Kakao Map to plan AI assistant integration into their maps. Naver’s Agent N will analyze users’ schedules, locations, and search history to design optimal routes and manage reservations. Meanwhile, Kakao plans to officially launch AI feature Kanana in the first quarter of the year after beta tests since October last year.
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