NVIDIA is reportedly planning to acquire DeepMap, a company which makes high-definition mapping technology for self-driving cars.

DeepMap provides maps with high levels of precision. NVIDIA points out that maps accurate to within a few meters are fine for turn-by-turn GPS directions, but autonomous vehicles require greater accuracy.

"They must operate with centimeter-level precision for accurate localization, [so that] an AV can locate itself in the world," NVIDIA wrote in a blog post. Frequent updates are also key, so that maps "reflect current road conditions, such as a work zone or a lane closure," NVIDIA said.