STARTING from Oct 18, residents of Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor, and Melaka may notice people walking around with high-tech Apple backpacks.
According to Apple, these aren't just ordinary backpacks, they're packed with cutting-edge imaging and LiDAR technology, playing a crucial role in the company's initiative to rebuild its Maps service from the ground up.
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing technology that uses laser light to measure distances and create highly accurate 3D models of the surrounding environment.
It works by emitting laser pulses towards an object or surface and measuring the time it takes for the reflected light to return to the sensor. Based on the speed of light and the time taken for the light to travel, the system calculates the distance to the object.
This mapping initiative is a global effort, where Apple has been driving millions of miles globally, capturing detailed data with its fleet of vehicles outfitted with advanced image and LiDAR sensors.
This has resulted in revamped Apple Maps across various regions, including the US, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Malaysia is the latest country to join the ranks.
Apple said it is taking a slightly different approach in certain areas of Malaysia.
While cars remain the backbone of its data collection efforts, the tech giant is employing portable backpack systems to gather information in locations inaccessible to vehicles. This includes pedestrian-only streets, parks, plazas, and busy transit stations. The portable system is a compact version of the vehicle-based equipment but still manages to capture high-resolution imagery and LiDAR data necessary for mapping these spaces in 2D and 3D.
These backpack systems will be used to gather crucial data to improve Apple Maps, especially in pedestrian-heavy areas that are often the most difficult to navigate. Places like Bukit Bintang, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman in Kuala Lumpur, and other bustling pedestrian zones will benefit from the more granular data collection.
Regarding user privacy, Apple has emphasised its commitment to user privacy, which s a critical issue as they gather this vast amount of data.
The company has stated that any images or data collected that include identifiable personal information, such as faces or vehicle license plates, will be automatically blurred before they are published. This commitment to privacy aligns with Apple's broader philosophy of user data protection, ensuring the public remains comfortable with its mapping endeavours.
The company said this project is not just about creating better maps, but also about making the digital representation of Malaysia more accessible, detailed, and usable across devices. Apple's new map technology isn't limited to just street-level views; it includes enhanced pedestrian data and the "Look Around" feature, which rivals Google Street View by allowing users to take a virtual walk through selected streets and locations.
Apple's data collection effort reflects the growing importance of precision mapping in a world increasingly reliant on digital navigation. By continuously updating and expanding its Maps service, Apple is ensuring that its users have access to the most up-to-date and accurate information, whether they're driving through Kuala Lumpur or exploring pedestrian paths in Penang.
For Malaysians, the arrival of Apple's ground surveys marks a significant step toward improving how we navigate and interact with our cities.