Apple previously using sensor-packed vehicles to keep its maps up to date will now use drones to improvise the maps. Recently, the company gets FAA approval to use drones to collect the data which includes capturing photos and videos and other traffic data.

As written in Bloomberg, "The Cupertino, California-based Company is assembling a team of robotics and data-collection experts that will use drones to capture and update map information faster than its existing fleet of camera-and-sensor ladened minivans."

Apple will now give a tough competition to Google by using drones. Previously in 2012, Apple replaced Google Maps with Apple Maps on iOS. Till now, Google Maps is better and Apple Maps is criticized by users for inaccurate data and driving directions.

Apple wants to use this drones to examine street signs, track changes to roads and monitor the areas. Collected data will be sent directly to Apple teams and they will continuously update the Apple Maps app to provide the latest information to users.

It is heard that Apple is developing some new features for Maps like improvements to car navigation and views inside buildings which let users explore different places without actually visiting them. These features are already in Google Maps.

Official guidelines for commercial drone operation restricts flying to daytime hours and requires licensed pilots to operate the equipment. There is also a restriction to fly over people and buildings which will affect the latest data collection.

"Apple could be hoping to get its indoor mapping service to Apple Maps sometime next year, along with a tool that would tell users when and where to change lanes during navigation. Apple is still assembling the team that will help it take advantage of drones", says Fortune.

Apple is continuously trying to improve its Maps app but still Google is way ahead. Now with this new technology Apple is expected to do something better to compete with Google Maps.

Tags: Apple Maps Drones Google Maps Apple maps update