It is clear that mapping is done only from the level of ground, but to improve it Apple is taking it to another level which is – air. After watching Google Maps, Apple is planning to improve their Maps service by using a new indoor system of mapping and drones. As per a new report, the company is fully sure that this drone system will help them to compete effectively against the services of Google Maps.
According to a report from Bloomberg that they released on 1st December, Apple is building a new team of professionals and experts in the field of data collection and robotics. This team is assembled to lead the initiative of drones. Apple has received an approval from the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) to use drones. They will use and handle drones to take and capture videos and photos of the street views, landscapes, traffic changes and other sights.
Currently, Apple is using vans with sensors and cameras to update their map information. But it is a very slow process. That’s why they are planning to replace it with drones. These drones will help the company to achieve their goals faster and more easily. The drones are smart enough to analyze construction areas, street signs, and other changes in roads easily.
The collected data from these drones will be used to update the existing information available in Apple Maps. This process is significantly easy and faster to update the information of Apple Maps than the vehicle system of the company.
According to the sources, this is not a surprising move but Apple has already applied for the proposal to use drones for commercial purposes from FAA in 2015. The approval was granted on 22nd March 2016.
Then in the month of August, White House has given some guidelines to use these drones for commercial purposes. According to that, drones should be operated by only licensed pilots during some hours of day and they should be within the line of sight. This is somewhere negative to the company but although they agreed to follow these guidelines.
Commercial drones will surely benefit the economy and consumers of the U.S. According to an estimate made by the industry, in the upcoming time, the new drone system will generate $82 billion for the economy of US and will generate approx 100,000 new jobs.
In 2015, Apple introduced a new system known as indoor mapping platform startup Indoor.io. And as per this startup, it is also stated that Apple is introducing a new feature that includes the interior view of the buildings. It will help people to navigate around museums, airports, and other buildings easily. This will help travelers to get all the information that they want easily.
Apple has made many changes to enhance their Maps service. This drone system will not only help Apple to enhance their productivity in the market but it will surely add an effective change in the overall development of the entire company.
