CNN goes behind - the - scenes at Digital Atlas , which does digital mapping . The company crisscrosses the globe in vans with cameras , lasers and GPS . Digital Atlas creates ` ` base maps '' for Google , MapQuest and others . Tele Atlas gets this information by combining satellite imagery , local , state and federal maps and most importantly , putting the rubber to the road in its Mobile Mapping Vans . Next step will be to combine lasers and camera images to make detailed digital maps .
CNN goes behind - the - scenes at Digital Atlas , which does digital mapping . The company crisscrosses the globe in vans with cameras , lasers and GPS . Digital Atlas creates ` ` base maps '' for Google , MapQuest and others . Next step will be to combine lasers and camera images to make detailed digital maps .