MAP DATA GENERATION APPARATUS

A map data generation apparatus is provided as follows. Probe data are collected from a plurality of vehicles. An integration process is performed to generate an integrated map data by integrating the collected probe data for each of data management units corresponding to (i) road sections, (ii) road links, or (iii) meshes into which a map is divided. A comparison process is performed to obtain a difference by comparing the generated integrated map data with a basic map data. The basic map data is updated based on the obtained difference. The integrated map data for a first data management unit is generated in response to a required number of the probe data being collected for the first data management unit. The required number of the probe data is set depending on a road type in the first data management unit.