Since the first iPhone, iOS has utilized Google Maps as the default application for maps. Over the past few years, Apple has purchased Placebase, a mapping development company and 3D mapping firm Poly9. Now comes word via 9to5Mac that Apple has acquired 3D mapping company C3 Technologies. With Apple acquiring three companies involved in mapping, it would certainly appear that Apple most definitely has an interest in creating their own mapping solution, one that would feature 3D technology.
C3 Technology certainly creates some really mind-blowing tech as it relates to mapping.
The Sweden-based company’s automated software and advanced algorithms enable C3 to rapidly assemble extremely precise 3D models, and seamlessly integrate them with traditional 2D maps, satellite images, street level photography and user generated images, that together are forever changing how people use maps and explore the world.
Could Maps be the next big thing in iOS? Will Apple out-map Google in the near future? Built-in navigation coupled with 3D technologies would certainly be a killer upgrade over the current Maps. While it might not come anytime soon, you have to think that Apple is certainly planning something big in the way of maps.
Source:
