Apple quietly launched a new app on Friday called “Maps Surveyor,” which lets users contribute to Apple Maps by collecting data about their surroundings and sending it to the company. However, not everyone can use the new app.
Here’s what’s behind the Apple Maps Surveyor app
“Surveyor helps Apple improve Maps by collecting data, such as images of street signs and other roadside details, while on an assigned route,” the app description reads. Despite being available for free on the App Store, it seems that Apple has built it for very specific users.
After installing the app, it prompts the user to open a partner app. For now, the only option is Premise – a platform that offers rewards to people who complete “simple tasks.” Essentially, it’s a marketplace that pays money to users who answer surveys, share personal information, or take photos of specific locations.
As noted by MacRumors, code found in the app suggests that Apple will use Premise to invite people to help improve Apple Maps in exchange for rewards. Users will be instructed to attach their iPhone to a mount in landscape orientation and use the Surveyor app to capture images along a given route.
The list of Apple Maps data providers doesn’t mention the new app, which could be because the app has just been released. It’s worth noting that Apple also has its own vehicles that drive through many cities around the world collecting data to improve Apple Maps.
For now, the Maps Surveyor app is only available in the US. But if you have an Apple device and want to help improve Apple Maps, just look for the “Report an Issue” option in the app to send feedback to Apple.
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