Apple Maps wins new data collection page; more features are expanded

At the end of last year, we commented that Apple has adopted a new mode of collecting data for its maps, in addition to the typical cars that circulate in some regions: people on foot. The news, which is part of the Maps app rebuild process, has also gained a new page with information about upcoming places to visit.

Apple Maps Backpack

Previously, both vehicle and pedestrian data were released on the company's car fleet page; The entire image collection schedule (separated by regions) can now be accessed from this page.

In it, Ma reveals some new information, including that data collection by pedestrians began last month in the US states of Hawaii and Nevada, and extend to the next month. Vehicle collection will also reach the small European country of Andorra, located between southern France and northern Spain, next April.

The new page also indicates that Apple "periodically revisits some locations to collect new data in an effort to maintain a high-quality, up-to-date map."

Public transport and internal maps

More regions in the United States have recently gained support for public transit information, as detailed on the iOS feature availability page. More precisely, this feature is now available in: Alaska, Connecticut, North Dakota, South Dakota, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Rhode Island and Texas .

Airport Internal Maps

Apple has also expanded its internal airport maps to several new US, Australian and Italian regions. Just them, respectively: the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), O Newcastle International Airport (NCL) it's the Milo-Linate Airport (LIN).

While the number of new airports supporting Apple's internal maps was small, the list of malls that won the feature was quite extensive. In general, users from various US states can now view internal maps of local shopping centers; More cities from Australia, Italy and Japan have been included, see the full list of locations here.

Final US Collection

As you can see, usually the US is always included in the list of map expansions; after all, this is Ma's home country. Since when it started using vehicles equipped with LiDAR sensors, more than three years ago, Ma has partially traveled 45 of the 50 US states to date.

With recent expansions, that total is set to increase in the coming months as Apple has confirmed that it will begin collecting data from Alaska, South Carolina and Tennessee between March and July this year. In addition, the company will continue to expand its resources in seven other US states during this period.

In this regard, two states are still missing to complete data collection across the United States: Arkansas and Oklahoma. However, it appears that Ma is already operating in these locations, according to users who have collected images of the company's vehicles there (but it is also possible that these cars have not collected any data).

If all goes well, Apple should launch its (enhanced) US map service next year; It is not yet foreseen when this expansion will come here, in Brazil, or even in Portugal.

via MacRumors: 1, 2, 3