Apple Maps Fleet Begins Collecting Data

Apple will collect map data with a fleet of vehicles this month to improve Apple Maps, making it more competitive with Google.

Apple has deployed a fleet of Dodge Grand Caravans with roof-mounted camera systems to photograph locations. The company is "committed to protecting your privacy" during data collection, according to an announcement. Apple will blur our faces and license plates on collected images prior to publication.

The fleet of vehicles will visit 13 states in the U.S. and areas of England and Ireland. U.S. cities include Pima, Ariz.; Alameda and Los Angeles, Calif.; Orange County, Fla.; Fulton, Ga.; Oahu, Hawaii; Cook County, Ill.; Suffolk, Mass.; Wayne, Mich.; St. Louis, Mo.; New York City; Dallas and Tarrant, Texas; Salt Lake City, Utah; and King County, Wash.