Apple begins using smaller Subaru cars to capture Apple Maps data

AppleInsider

Apple is reportedly deploying a new vehicle, the Subaru Impreza hatchback, to its fleet of vehicles driving the world to collect first-party Maps data.

Image Credit: Business Insider

Marked white Imprezas have been seen around Los Angeles, according to Business Insider. Although the cars are smaller, they're also distinguished by a new, extremely tall sensor rig, presumably housing standard equipment such as cameras and LIDAR.

Until now Apple has been relying on minivans. The Maps recon fleet is notably separate from the Lexus SUVs Apple has deployed for its self-driving car program.

Apple finally revealed that its vehicles were being used to create first-party maps in June. The company's Maps app started out with data from Google Maps, but ditched Google content in 2012 for a hodge-podge of sources including TomTom. Apple has frequently been criticized for missing or displaying inaccurate information, though complaints have diminished considerably in the past six years.

As a part of its improvements, the company is hoping to be faster to cope with road and construction changes, while also displaying more detail.

stantheman

The appendage on that Subaru reminds me of “Toad,” the mushroom character in Mario Kart.

edited October 2018

rob53

How much does Apple pay the drivers? Would be a nice retirement job.

entropys

Apple is reportedly deploying a new vehicle, the Subaru Impreza hatchback, to its fleet of vehicles driving the world to collect first-party Maps data.

Driving the world? Is that the case, or just the US? I certainly hope it is the world.


Also: can’t those guys stick to their lane?

edited October 2018

zroger73

I wonder if this change is related to the Apple Maps van that was involved in a deadly crash earlier this year.

https://www.news-journal.com/news/police/driver-in-wreck-near-kilgore-dies-from-injuries/article_8cae4bdc-381b-11e8-ab66-771cdddaf270.html

The Subaru Impreza hatchback has a higher crash safety rating than the Ford Transit Connect.

gregg thurman

Given the focus Apple is applying to Apple Maps in the last year, I give Apple 2 more years and Apple Maps will match or exceed Google Maps.  This will coincide nicely with the auto industry's oft-stated 2020 as a launch year for autonomous cars.

lojack

Just saw one earlier this week, now I've been captured by both the Google Maps and Apple Maps cams. Gotta try for Bing now!

bobolicious

Are they zero emission vehicles...?

wonkothesane

gregg thurman said:

Given the focus Apple is applying to Apple Maps in the last year, I give Apple 2 more years and Apple Maps will match or exceed Google Maps.  This will coincide nicely with the auto industry's oft-stated 2020 as a launch year for autonomous cars.

I’d agree to having level 3 cars more widespread by then. Nothing beyond, however. level 5 by 2025 is increasingly considered as challenge. 

wonkothesane

Long term strategy simply
canmot be having a fleet deployed and running 24/7 around the 🌏 to update any road changes. 

Om a side note/ satellite imagery in my area is much improved and appears to be updated this year (can see recent changes in our garden ). 

genovelle

wonkothesane said:

Long term strategy simply
canmot be having a fleet deployed and running 24/7 around the 🌏 to update any road changes. 

Om a side note/ satellite imagery in my area is much improved and appears to be updated this year (can see recent changes in our garden ). 

This is what Google continues to do

claire1

genovelle said:

wonkothesane said:

Long term strategy simply
canmot be having a fleet deployed and running 24/7 around the 🌏 to update any road changes. 

Om a side note/ satellite imagery in my area is much improved and appears to be updated this year (can see recent changes in our garden ). 

This is what Google continues to do

There has to be an easier way....

welshdog

claire1 said:

genovelle said:

wonkothesane said:

Long term strategy simply
canmot be having a fleet deployed and running 24/7 around the 🌏 to update any road changes. 

Om a side note/ satellite imagery in my area is much improved and appears to be updated this year (can see recent changes in our garden ). 

This is what Google continues to do

There has to be an easier way....

I would imagine there is a drone solution to this issue.

radarthekat

welshdog said:

claire1 said:

genovelle said:

wonkothesane said:

Long term strategy simply
canmot be having a fleet deployed and running 24/7 around the 🌏 to update any road changes. 

Om a side note/ satellite imagery in my area is much improved and appears to be updated this year (can see recent changes in our garden ). 

This is what Google continues to do

There has to be an easier way....

I would imagine there is a drone solution to this issue.

A better solution would be to collect data continuously from willing participant’s vehicles once autonomous vehicles are more common, as such vehicles will have sensors constantly scanning their surroundings.  

beowulfschmidt

welshdog said:

I would imagine there is a drone solution to this issue.

There are also laws in many places prohibiting the use of drones in many of the areas in which they'd be most useful.

dillie

Saw a Apple vehicle twice today in Oneida, Tennessee, driving faster then the posted 35 mph. Second time the driver, a young male, run the red light at Oak Grove intersection. And he had plenty of time to stop for it!