1. A method for recognizing an object in an image of an area, the method comprising: retrieving image data captured by an imaging device, the image data corresponding to the image of the area; retrieving digital map information, where the digital map information includes map information on at least a portion of the area represented by the image and where the digital map information includes information on the object; comparing the image data and the digital map information to recognize the object; and performing a navigation function for assisting a driver based on the recognized object.