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How is Apple trying to improve its mapping app?

Answer: by flying drones through streets

Cats vs. dogs. Ketchup vs. mustard. Apple Maps vs. Google Maps. These are the questions that have plagued mankind since the dawn of civilization (kind of). In the never-ending battle for map app supremacy, Apple is reportedly developing a plan to fly drones through city streets to gather traffic information, monitor construction and recognize signage in an effort to provide the most up-to-date information on traffic.

The company believes that sensor- and camera-equipped vans wading through traffic is too slow, seeing drones as a more rapid method to gather information and create the most up-to-date map app available. The FAA released regulations on commercial drone use restricting flying to mostly daytime hours and requiring licensed pilots to operate the equipment while keeping the drones in their line of sight.