Self-drive cars: The great map debate

The Silicon Valley race to build a self-driving car may revolve around one simple question: To map or not to map.

The firm at the forefront of the race, Google, is creating intricate maps that detail every tree and curb along the road — an expensive endeavour that other companies could find difficult to match.

Newer entrants such as ride-share service Uber and Apple could take a shortcut and develop a car capable of piloting itself without such elaborate and expensive blueprints, industry experts say.