According to the latest report, Apple today began a new ground survey in various regions of the UK, including London, Manchester and Birmingham, to collect pedestrian data from Apple Maps. As you can see in the image, Apple workers are wearing a large backpack full of cameras and sensors that will collect map data for more than 85 specific towns and boroughs.
The new data collection project aims to improve Apple Maps’ 2D map information and the Look Around feature, which allows users to see the map Street View through Look Around. Apple will also collect Street Views of parks, city squares, bus stops, and streets that cars can’t reach.
Apple has been conducting pedestrian surveys in the UK since 2019. In addition to collecting new data, the survey will re-collect data from certain locations to keep the map updated.
Apple confirmed that its data collection efforts will protect the privacy of pedestrians, and the company will review faces and license plates that appear on Look Around, with additional scrutiny at individual request. The collection will continue until May 20th.