Google Maps vs Apple Maps

So, by now we’ve all had a little time to digest the news about Apple Maps and the coming use of Apple’s very own map service for the iOS platform but what will it look like? No doubt there’s still many unanswered questions but we have some info to go on, in particular a pretty cool post over at Gizmodo that shares a first sneak peek and some suggestions as to what we can expect. Overall, I’m guessing Apple will roll out something pretty decent, although you know it will be lacking in some ways, mainly in the level of complexity and detail that is presented. It appears that out of the box Apple maps will no doubt be inferior when it comes to satellite imagery, traffic information, transit maps/data, and street view level data. Apple will no doubt be touting their turn-by-turn navigation and SiRi integration as a big plus (although don’t look for offline navigation) but overall expect much less complexity of data with apple Maps, less imagery, and fewer details like the lack of directional info, address matching and more… no doubt Apple will fill in the gaps via strategic partnerships (they already have a number of data partners lined up, like TomTom) and perhaps some real-time traffic data will come via the likes of INRIX or Waze, we’ll just have to wait and see (although Apple may be plotting something with the location data from iPhone users). Personally I’m a little curious how the developer will be affected, in particular, how iOS apps will integrate or swap out Google maps in their apps and location services. Perhaps not an issue right away but you have to think it could be an issue down the road. For more check out this post on Gizmodo

• See also Peter Batty’s blog post on the Apple announcement for Peter’s perspective on this – I found Peter’s mention of the deals struck with car manufacturers to be of interest.
• See also New Kids on the Block: Apple Maps Launch (@mprioleau)
• Apple Announces Maps at iOS 6 With Nav, SiRi and more – Many data partners
• 2012 Apple WWDC Keynote Recap – Key Numbers, New in iOS 6 and the new Apple Maps

So who is Apple working with as partners to bring you Apple Maps on iOS6? According to this attribution page it appears data is coming from the following companies:

• AND
• Corelogic
• DigitalGlobe
• DMTI
•  Intermap
• LaeadDog
• Localeze
• Map Data Sciences
• MDA
• Urban Mapping
• TomTom
• and more!