Apple may be about to end its reliance on Google for their mapping functionalities in iOS. According to 9to5Mac Apple has just purchased C3 Technologies, a 3D mapping company, in an attempt to bring their 3D maps, based on declassified missile targeting methods, to their products.
C3 Technologies is the leading provider of 3D mapping solutions, offering photo-realistic models of the world for search, navigation and geographic information systems. Since 2007 when it was spun out of the aerospace and defense company Saab AB, venture-backed C3 has redefined mapping by applying previously classified image processing technology to the development of 3D maps as a platform for new social and commercial applications. The Sweden-based company’s automated software and advanced algorithms enable C3 to rapidly assemble extremely precise 3D models, and seamlessly integrate them with traditional 2D maps, satellite images, street level photography and user generated images, that together are forever changing how people use maps and explore the world.
Apple must be working on a huge project. Like 9to5Mac notes, they’ve purchased Placebase, Poly9, and now C3 Technologies over the last couple of years. Back in May, a patent surfaced that showed Apple was working on some powerful location-based applications.
