A system having an encoded data set and a sensor. The encoded data set may be configured to store a plurality of information relating to a surrounding area. The encoded data set is presented in a vision sensor readable format along with human readable information on an infrastructure element. The sensor may be configured to (i) locate the encoded data set and (ii) calculate a distance to the road sign based on the information relating to the surrounding area. The distance is used to provide localization in an autonomous vehicle application.