Apple Maps Launches New Pedestrian Surveys Across the UK to Gather Data and Expand Look Around

[MacRumors]

Apple has today begun new ground surveys across various regions of the United Kingdom, including London, Manchester, and Birmingham, to gather pedestrian data for Apple Maps (via Bloomberg).

Apple will use cameras and sensors mounted on pedestrian backpacks to gather map data in Berkshire, Greater London, Greater Manchester, Staffordshire, and the West Midlands, across over 85 specific towns and boroughs.

The new data gathering project seeks to improve Apple Maps, including its 2D map information and the Look Around feature, which enables users to get a panoramic street-level view of a location. Apple will also gather data on areas such as parks, city squares, transit stations, and streets where it is not possible to drive cars with mounted sensors.

Apple has undertaken pedestrian surveys in the UK since 2019. As well as gathering new data, the new surveys offer an opportunity to revisit certain locations and re-collect data in an effort to maintain a high-quality, up-to-date map.

Apple affirmed that its data collection efforts will continue to protect people's privacy, censoring faces and licence plates on images published in Look Around, as well as additional censorship upon individual request. The surveys begin today and will run until May 20.

Article Link: Apple Maps Launches New Pedestrian Surveys Across the UK to Gather Data and Expand Look Around

 

[timsutcliffe]

Ooh goodie. I think might be classed as living in the West Midlands.

 

[GenesisST]

Ooooh, I now want an iJetPack!

 

[Danfango]

Great. Although having 3d maps outside the centre of London only would be good.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

Is that the new Mac Pro strapped to that back?

Is that the new companion hardware/battery for the VR/AR goggles/glasses?

Is that the new "so thin & light you don't even need a parking spot" Apple Car?

Is that the previously-unrumored Watch upgrade to Apple CLOCK?

 

[icanhazmac]

Anyone else think those people are taking years off their lives walking around with all that equipment strapped to them?

Edit: /s for those that didn't recognize.

 

[Sanme]

Anyone else think those people are taking years off their lives walking around with all that equipment strapped to them?

Easy there buddy ??

 

[KrisLord]

Anyone else think those people are taking years off their lives walking around with all that equipment strapped to them?

The opposite.

They’re getting their move goal whilst being paid to go for a nice walk.

 

[arkitect]

Anyone else think those people are taking years off their lives walking around with all that equipment strapped to them?

If they are relatively fit and healthy, why should it?

I mean post men/women have been doing it for years… I don't think they die particularly young.

 

[rgeneral]

The google walker might kick him 😆

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

This bag pack looks way too good. I wish Apple was selling them.

 

[Jhieminga]

I spotted one of those backpacks in Amsterdam last week.

 

[arkitect]

The google walker might kick him ?

Or they may just go and have a coffee and share some stories.

 

[Expos of 1969]

...and the poor sods lose an hour of their life at the end of every shift when their supervisor does the Apple enforced "bag check"...

 

[thekeyring]

Good luck squeezing into place in London. It’s so crowded we’re practically standing shoulder to shoulder at this point.

 

[Onelifenofear]

Good luck squeezing into place in London. It’s so crowded we’re practically standing shoulder to shoulder at this point.

Well not really. Trains and Tubes are empty. Walking around London is a breeze compared to 3 years ago due to COVID. Most of the people I know working from home now and might go in for meetings now and again.

 

[Danfango]

Well not really. Trains and Tubes are empty. Walking around London is a breeze compared to 3 years ago due to COVID. Most of the people I know working from home now and might go in for meetings now and again.

The really skilled ones like myself have managed to avoid those meetings and zoom as well

 

[Expos of 1969]

The really skilled ones like myself have managed to avoid those meetings and zoom as well

Spending some time in Belmarsh?

 

[thekeyring]

Good luck squeezing into place in London. It’s so crowded we’re practically standing shoulder to shoulder at this poiti

Well not really. Trains and Tubes are empty. Walking around London is a breeze compared to 3 years ago due to COVID. Most of the people I know working from home now and might go in for meetings now and again.

I currently live in a London suburb. I’ll be vague because this is the internet but it’s not far from Hampton Court. The area is full. The roads are like living in a car garage.

Popping out to the local shop during a quiet time, like early on a Sunday morning? The shop has a dozen people inside it.

 

[satpalram]

Hello from Not London

 

[BigMac?]

Great if we could see this in mainland Europe too.

 

[kyleh22]

Apple seems really invested in the UK. It seems like they also produce a lot of ATV content in the UK.

 

[dj458]

Let over-weight people do it and pay them, Apple will reduce people healthy issue!

 

[jeffpeng]

And here I was thinking Tim Apple was shooting all that footage himself with his secret iPhone Max Pro Ultra with 420 degrees telephoto lens.

 

[philstubbington]

Apple has today begun new ground surveys across various regions of the United Kingdom, including London, Manchester, and Birmingham, to gather pedestrian data for Apple Maps (via Bloomberg).

Apple will use cameras and sensors mounted on pedestrian backpacks to gather map data in Berkshire, Greater London, Greater Manchester, Staffordshire, and the West Midlands, across over 85 specific towns and boroughs.

The new data gathering project seeks to improve Apple Maps, including its 2D map information and the Look Around feature, which enables users to get a panoramic street-level view of a location. Apple will also gather data on areas such as parks, city squares, transit stations, and streets where it is not possible to drive cars with mounted sensors.

Apple has undertaken pedestrian surveys in the UK since 2019. As well as gathering new data, the new surveys offer an opportunity to revisit certain locations and re-collect data in an effort to maintain a high-quality, up-to-date map.

Apple affirmed that its data collection efforts will continue to protect people's privacy, censoring faces and licence plates on images published in Look Around, as well as additional censorship upon individual request. The surveys begin today and will run until May 20.

Article Link: Apple Maps Launches New Pedestrian Surveys Across the UK to Gather Data and Expand Look Around

I'll keep an eye out when I'm back in the office in Windsor, Berkshire this week ?.