Apple Maps may finally match up to Google as tech giant starts major eight month upgrade across the UK
APPLE is taking the Google-approach to improving its native Maps app for UK users which may lure iPhone users away from the rival platform.
The tech giant has revealed plans to deploy Apple cars and company-sanctioned walkers with Apple backpacks to collect data for its Maps.
“Apple is conducting ground surveys with vehicles around the world to collect data to improve Apple Maps and to support the Look Around feature,” the company said in a statement to iMore.
“Vehicle surveys may use equipment mounted on the outside of vehicles as well as iPhones, iPads, or other devices inside of vehicles.”
The new data collection project kicks off today (February 21), focusing on Birmingham, Manchester and London.
The tech company will be using LiDAR capture equipment and images to bring a new level of accuracy the the Maps app.
Backpackers will traverse cities, while Apple cars with cameras mounted to them will roam the roads.
Although the Apple-sanctioned backpackers will only be walking around in the warmer months, between May 20 and September 11.
City dwellers and rural folk alike may spot either one of these Apple scouts in the coming months.
The project will continue until October 17, and will hopefully result in improved details, navigation and better available information for places.
Google’s Street View
A feature Apple is wanting to polish is the Look Around feature – the one that closely resembles Google Maps’ Street View.
Which explains why Apple has adopted the same camera-convoy approach as Google, a method the search engine giant began popularising in 2007.
Like Google, Apple will maintain the same privacy protections for people while its cameras move around the UK.
This means if your face or number plate are captured, they will be blurred.
Apple may also introduce a similar home safety precaution to Google Maps, which allows people to remove images of their home on Street View.
This has been advised by security experts to avoid thieves using Street View to plot potential break-ins.