To estimate the number of self-driving cars needed, we can consider the total road network length and the operational capacity of a single self-driving car over a year. This involves making assumptions about average driving speed, the proportion of time a car is actively mapping or driving, and the total road mileage that needs to be covered. For instance, if we assume a certain road length needs to be mapped and each car can cover X miles per year, we can divide the total by X to get an estimate. Clarifying questions about the mapping process, such as whether it requires a dedicated pass for each road (similar to Google Street View) and the specific technologies used (cameras, lidar, etc.), are crucial for refining the estimate.
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