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Apple to Rebuild Maps from Scratch Using Its Own Data

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Jun 29, 2018, 11:52 AM by Eric M. Zeman

Apple hopes to improve its Apple Maps app and service by rebuilding them from the ground up with all new data. Apple launched Maps six years ago relying on data from third-party providers such as TomTom. The launch was shaky at best, as the map data was often incorrect or out of date. Apple promised to improve Maps over time, and it did. Four years ago, however, Apple decided to wholly reimagine maps by starting over. Apple has its own fleet of cars to gather information, and it is using "segments of trips you take that have been anonymized," according to TechCrunch. This information comes directly from iPhone owners and is used by Apple to determine the validity of routes and whether or not there's traffic congestion. Apple says the data is completely anonymous and only ever takes a small picture of an entire trip without recording the beginning and end points. Even so, iPhone owners can opt out of the data collection using the privacy settings in Maps. Eventually, users will begin to see more information in maps, such as foliage markers, parking lots, pools, sports complexes, accurate building shapes, and pedestrian pathways. Apple says it has thousands of people working all over the world to improve maps. Apple is going to launch the new map data in the Bay Area in early July, with a broader rollout in Northern California expected with the arrival of iOS 12 in the fall. Apple didn't say when state- or country-level maps will be available.

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