Apple has begun conducting ground surveys in Ajman this week as part of a long-running global effort to rebuild its mapping platform from scratch. The company is using a mix of data collection vehicles and portable backpack systems equipped with advanced imagery and LiDAR sensors to capture details of the city’s roads, parks, and pedestrian-only areas.
These ground-level surveys are designed to improve the accuracy and detail of Apple Maps in the UAE. The company has spent years revamping its mapping data by driving millions of miles across countries like the U.S., U.K., Hong Kong, and Taiwan, and is gradually expanding coverage to more regions. The updated map infrastructure includes refined visuals, better routing, and richer geographic context, particularly in areas where navigation can be difficult without street-level clarity.
In Ajman, data will be collected using both traditional mapping vehicles and backpack-mounted camera systems. The latter allows for collection in areas where cars can’t go — such as parks, plazas, footpaths, and public transport hubs. These portable systems gather LiDAR point cloud data alongside photographic imagery to support more accurate pedestrian navigation and location detail in public areas.
Apple emphasizes that data collection follows a privacy-first approach. Faces, license plates, and other identifiable elements will be automatically blurred before any imagery is published or used to improve services. The company also notes that it may revisit areas over time to refresh the mapping data and ensure accuracy.
Those interested in when and where data collection is happening — or who have questions about privacy or data use — can find more information on Apple’s official Image Collection page.
The initiative reflects Apple’s broader effort to make Apple Maps more competitive with rivals like Google Maps by investing in its own data infrastructure and local enhancements.
