Apple to start sending teams equipped with portable imaging & LiDAR backpacks to refine its Maps services in India

Apple has been working tirelessly to improve the accuracy and detail of its global mapping services, but in a country like India, challenges often arise that require a bit more creativity. Given how common complex street networks and traffic-clogged roads are in all major cities, certain sections of these cities can feel like a giant, life-sized maze, making it difficult for traditional mapping cars to navigate.

Starting February 24, Apple will be sending teams of people, equipped with portable versions of their sophisticated LiDAR and imaging devices, out into major Indian cities such as Delhi, Hyderabad, Goa, and Mumbai.

These teams will be walking through urban areas, capturing detailed imagery and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data that will contribute to the rebuilding of Apple’s maps from the ground up.

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This ambitious effort is part of Apple’s ongoing global mission to improve the accuracy of its maps, a project the company has been working on for several years. Apple has already driven millions of miles in different countries using specialised vehicles equipped with state-of-the-art imaging and LiDAR technology.

These vehicles have been crucial in gathering detailed data to create more precise and up-to-date maps. Updated maps have already rolled out in areas like Hong Kong, Taiwan, the United States, and the United Kingdom, with Apple gradually expanding its coverage to more regions each year.

However, when it comes to countries like India, where certain areas are simply inaccessible by vehicle, Apple had to innovate. Enter the portable backpacks: a compact, but just as powerful, version of the vehicle-mounted LiDAR and imaging systems. The backpacks allow Apple to collect the same detailed LiDAR data and high-resolution imagery in areas where cars can’t go. This includes pedestrian-only streets, parks, plazas, transit stations, and other public spaces.

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The data collected through these backpacks is invaluable for building highly accurate 2D maps. By using this technology, Apple can enhance the navigation experience, making it more reliable for users in busy urban areas. In cities where streets are often crowded or not suitable for vehicles, these portable devices allow Apple to collect data in a much more flexible and efficient way.

This effort to improve mapping services is part of Apple’s wider commitment to providing the best possible user experience through their Maps services. By continuously gathering fresh data, Apple can keep its maps updated, ensuring that users worldwide benefit from accurate and detailed navigation. Urban areas, where dense infrastructure and constant development demand frequent updates, will particularly benefit from this enhanced mapping initiative.

In addition to its focus on improving the maps, Apple is equally committed to maintaining user privacy. While collecting vast amounts of data, the company has taken steps to ensure that personal information is protected. For instance, Apple will blur faces and license plates in the images it collects, so that no sensitive data is inadvertently captured before being published or used in the maps. This dedication to privacy reassures users that their personal details will remain protected, even as their surroundings are mapped in greater detail.

As this mapping project continues in India and other countries, it marks an important milestone for Apple’s mission to create the most accurate and reliable maps available. With ongoing advancements in mapping technology, users can expect improved navigation and location-based services that will help them get to their destinations with ease, wherever they are in the world.