A method and a device for determining a highly precise position and for operating an automated vehicle, including: detecting surroundings data values, the surroundings data values representing surroundings of the automated vehicle, the surroundings encompassing at least two surroundings features, determining a pattern, as a function of the at least two surroundings features, reading in map data values, the map data values representing a map, the map representing at least the surroundings of the automated vehicle, the map encompassing a reference pattern, determining the highly precise position of the automated vehicle, proceeding from a comparison of the pattern to the reference pattern, and operating the automated vehicle, as a function of the highly precise position.