Apple has commenced extensive ground surveys using vehicles worldwide to collect data aimed at improving Apple Maps and supporting the Look Around feature. These surveys are part of Apple’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, up-to-date maps to users. The company plans periodic revisits and data re-collection in specific locations to ensure map accuracy and relevance.
Survey Methods and Privacy Protections:
- Vehicle-based Surveys: Apple employs vehicles equipped with advanced mapping technologies to conduct surveys across diverse global locations. These surveys contribute to the enhancement of Apple Maps and the immersive Look Around feature.
- Pedestrian-focused Surveys: In select pedestrian areas, such as specific streets in Kuala Lumpur inaccessible to vehicles, Apple conducts surveys using portable systems. These include backpack systems for direct data collection for Look Around and devices like iPads and iPhones for broader map improvement purposes.
Privacy Commitment:
Apple underscores its commitment to user privacy throughout these surveys. Privacy protections include the censorship of faces and license plates on images published in the Look Around feature. This measure ensures that user privacy remains a top priority while advancing mapping technologies.
Survey Schedule for Malaysia:
Selangor: November 10, 2023 – February 29, 2024
Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur: November 10, 2023 – February 29, 2024
Federal Territory of Putrajaya: December 01, 2023 – December 09, 2023
Negeri Sembilan: March 01, 2024 – March 19, 2024
Melaka: March 21, 2024 – April 04, 2024
Johor: April 10, 2024 – June 06, 2024
Pahang: June 11, 2024 – June 24, 2024
Terengganu: June 27, 2024 – July 08, 2024
Kelantan: July 16, 2024 – July 22, 2024
Perak: March 01, 2024 – April 04, 2024
Pulau Pinang: April 08, 2024 – April 27, 2024
Kedah: April 30, 2024 – May 30, 2024
Perlis: June 01, 2024 – June 05, 2024
Sabah: January 02, 2024 – March 22, 2024
Federal Territory of Labuan: March 27, 2024 – April 05, 2024
Sarawak: April 06, 2024 – July 25, 2024
Apple assures users that privacy protection measures will be upheld during these surveys, maintaining the same standards as applied to Apple Maps vehicles.
