It's also easy for them to make a very specific, narrow list of locations where the data is needed.
Just look at the raw GPS measurements and look for signs of trouble (high uncertainty, coordinates "teleporting" users around unnaturally, etc.). Maybe you only need it on certain particular streets within a city.
There are commercial LIDAR drone services you can hire, so worst case they just pay some of those people to give them 3D models for the specific areas where they have the worst problems and the highest traffic, and they get a huge improvement.
Just look at the raw GPS measurements and look for signs of trouble (high uncertainty, coordinates "teleporting" users around unnaturally, etc.). Maybe you only need it on certain particular streets within a city.
There are commercial LIDAR drone services you can hire, so worst case they just pay some of those people to give them 3D models for the specific areas where they have the worst problems and the highest traffic, and they get a huge improvement.