Yeliz Akmaca 
Hivemapper is a decentralized, global mapping network. Through its “Drive-to-Earn” model, users who attach AI-powered dashcams to their cars and passively collect map data are rewarded with the HONEY token. Developers need to use HONEY to access map data, which creates continuous demand for the token. The Hivemapper Network was launched in November 2022. Contributors are rewarded with HONEY tokens for their input. Maps can be used in areas such as autonomous driving, ADAS, logistics, real estate, and government.
Due to the cost and logistical complexity of collecting map data through centralized methods, even the world’s largest tech companies have struggled to maintain near real-time maps of roads. For example, Google Maps updates its maps largely through data from Street View cars. Because of the high cost of deploying these vehicles, a road is typically remapped only once every few years.
Team and Founders
Hivemapper’s founders and leadership team include:
Ariel Seidman: Co-Founder and CEO. Experienced in technology and entrepreneurship.
Evan Moss: Co-Founder and CTO. Responsible for technical infrastructure and development.
Investors and Key Partners
Hivemapper has raised funding from leading VC firms:
- Spark Capital
- Multicoin Capital
- Founder Collective
- GV (Google Ventures)
- Shine Capital
- Craft Ventures
- Solana Ventures
Its commercial partners include Lyft, TomTom, Mapbox, HERE, NBCUniversal, and Maxar. These partnerships have supported Hivemapper’s rapid growth and strengthened its technological infrastructure.
Project Vision and Problems Solved
Hivemapper addresses key challenges in the mapping sector:
- Irregular Coverage and Updates: Traditional map collection methods are costly, making it hard even for well-funded companies to update maps globally in real time.
- Up-to-Date Maps for Autonomous Vehicles: Current maps are built for humans. Autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles require far more frequently updated data.
- High Costs for Businesses: Millions of businesses pay to integrate maps into their products. Monopoly pricing often makes reliable map data unaffordable.
- Lack of Contributor Rewards: Modern map creation relies heavily on user-generated data, yet many map companies don’t compensate contributors or remain opaque about how the data is used.
How the Project Works
- Contributors capture road and environment imagery using dedicated devices or dashcams.
- Images are processed by Map AI to create maps.
- Participants are rewarded in HONEY tokens.
- Developers consume map data using Map Credits.
- The Hivemapper Network is fully decentralized and permissionless.
Roadmap
- Nov 2022: Launch of Hivemapper Network
- 2004–2010: Mapping experience at Yahoo! Maps
- 2010–2013: Founded Gigwalk, a global mobile data collection network
- 2015: Hivemapper foundation laid with drone-based map creation
- 2018: Transition to Blackvue dashcam-based mapping
- 2021: Sale of a software company and $18M Series A funding
- 2022: Launch of Hivemapper Dashcam pre-orders, Hivemapper Network, and HONEY token
- 2023–2024: Implementation of Map Improvement Proposals (MIP) mechanism
- Future: Ecosystem growth, Map Credits automation, and new data products
Token Utility
HONEY: Rewards contributors, payments for map data
Map Credits: Created by burning HONEY, used to consume map data
Developers access APIs and data services via Map Credits
Token Information
- Blockchain: Solana
- First Mint Date: November 1, 2022
- Total Supply: 6.49B HONEY
- Max Supply: 10B HONEY
- Circulating Supply: 4.72B HONEY
- Rewards and utility are balanced through a Burn & Mint system.
Token Allocation
- 40% Contributors
- 20% Investors
- 20% Hivemapper Inc. employees
- 15% Hivemapper Inc. operations & R&D
- 5% Hivemapper Foundation
Governance
The success of the Hivemapper Network depends on its community. Its governance philosophy is that the network’s outputs should be “public goods” governed by the community that builds them.
Hivemapper Foundation: A nonprofit established in 2022 to oversee network development, tokenomics, and distribution. Employees of Bee Maps (Hivemapper Inc.) cannot simultaneously serve in the Foundation.
Map Improvement Proposals (MIPs): A governance mechanism to propose and implement major network changes. Community members submit ideas on platforms like Discord, debate them, and once approved, they are integrated into the network.
Ecosystem and Privacy
- Data Privacy: Faces, license plates, and bodies are automatically blurred with computer vision algorithms. Personal information and location data are not treated as products.
- Anonymous Usernames: Contributors receive random three-word usernames.
- Personal Privacy Zones: Contributors can define zones (e.g., home or workplace) where data collection automatically stops.
- Network Privacy Zones: Sensitive areas like military bases or nuclear facilities are globally blocked from data collection.
- Blockchain and Wallets: Built on Solana blockchain, providing encryption, privacy, and anonymity.
Features
- Decentralized: Open mapping network
- Permissionless: Anyone can contribute
- Rewards-Based: Contributions rewarded with HONEY
- Privacy-First: Anonymous IDs, privacy zones, automatic blurring
- AI-Powered: Map AI processes imagery
- Map Credits: Utility token with fixed USD pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HONEY?
Hivemapper (HONEY) is a decentralized mapping network built on Solana.
Where is HONEY used?
For buying and selling map data, rewarding contributors, and governance participation.
Which blockchain does HONEY run on?
It operates on the Solana (SOL) network.
Is HONEY mined?
No. HONEY is earned by contributing data, not through mining.
Official Links
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