Apple collects map data in Vietnam
Since mid-February, Apple has started collecting data to upgrade and improve the quality and accuracy of its mapping service (Apple Maps) in Vietnam. This is a software available on devices in the company's ecosystem, but over time it has not been really accurate due to lack of information, so it cannot compete with the mapping service provided by the "search giant" Google.
The project also aims to improve the accuracy of the “Look Around” feature, which allows users to preview real-time images of specific locations on the map without having to go there. To accomplish this, the company installed light sensors (LiDAR) and external cameras on cars, along with a computer system serving the driver inside.
In alleys where cars are not accessible, the company will deploy scanners worn on backpacks so that data collectors can collect information while walking. Crowdsourced data will also be used to improve the mapping service.
An Apple Maps data collection vehicle was spotted on the streets.
Regarding concerns about the privacy of people who accidentally get caught in the frame of the map car/device, Apple is committed to complying with the rules to protect them, and affirms that it carefully censors before putting it on the system for public deployment. Users can also proactively request the processing of personal data by contacting the company directly (sending an email to [email protected]).
Regarding the question of why Apple is only now improving map data in Vietnam, experts say that Vietnam has always been considered a rapidly developing and potential market, so it is time for the company to "take better care" of it.
The proof is that more and more of the company's official services are opening in Vietnam, including the system of authorized distribution stores, authorized services, and most recently, the online Apple Store. "Many sources confirm that in just 1-2 years, Vietnam will have at least 1 Apple Store on the street," a source close to authorized dealers revealed.
In addition, the company must also improve service quality according to the roadmap and Vietnam is included in the plan for this phase. The development of map services is also expected to contribute to improving the experience for users of the Apple ecosystem in particular and the Vietnamese IT ecosystem in general.
Where do Apple Maps data collection vehicles go?
According to information from Apple, the project to collect map data in Vietnam started on February 16, 2024, and is expected to last until October 24, 2024, divided into many phases in different areas across the country.
It will be divided into 3 major phases (implemented one after another): from February 16 to July 24 in Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, Dong Nai, Ho Chi Minh City and Tay Ninh; from March 5 to August 30 in Binh Dinh, Binh Thuan, Da Nang, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan, Phu Yen, Quang Nam and Quang Ngai; from March 8 to July 30, vehicles will concentrate in the Red River Delta, including the capital Hanoi and some neighboring provinces.
The specific local list announced includes:
- North Central Coast: Ha Tinh, Nghe An, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, Thanh Hoa, Thua Thien - Hue.
- South Central Coast: Binh Thuan, Binh Dinh, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan, Phu Yen, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, and Da Nang.
- Northwest: Hoa Binh, Lai Chau, Lao Cai, Son La, Yen Bai, and Dien Bien.
- Central Highlands: Gia Lai, Kon Tum, Lam Dong, Dak Lak, and Dak Nong.
- Northeast: Bac Giang, Bac Kan, Cao Bang, Ha Giang, Lang Son, Phu Tho, Quang Ninh, Thai Nguyen, and Tuyen Quang.
- Southeast: Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, Ho Chi Minh City, Tay Ninh, and Dong Nai.
- Mekong Delta: An Giang, Bac Lieu, Ben Tre, Ca Mau, Can Tho, Hau Giang, Kien Giang, Long An, Soc Trang, Tien Giang, Tra Vinh, and Vinh Long.
- Red River Delta: Bac Ninh, Ha Nam, Hanoi, Hai Duong, Hai Phong, Hung Yen, Nam Dinh, Ninh Binh, Thai Binh, and Vinh Phuc.
Employees wear device backpacks to retrieve data in places cars cannot reach.
Users excited as Apple starts collecting map data in Vietnam
The improvement of map data quality in Vietnam is considered a positive sign for the overall development. On social networks, posts recording Apple's map-capturing car driving on local roads immediately attracted the attention of the Internet user community. The clip shared on the fanpage of a Vietnamese seller just 1 day ago attracted more than 11,000 emotional interactions, nearly 900 comments and hundreds of shares, in contrast to other posts on this page that only received a few interactions.
"Hopefully one day it will be better than Google Map to use ," a user on the Tinh Te technology forum shared in a post about the Apple map car's travel route. Many others living in Ho Chi Minh City said they have "encountered" Apple's special cars many times. But so far, there have been no reports of employees wearing backpacks of equipment to collect data in locations that cannot be reached by car.
In Vietnamese Internet user communities, each post related to Apple's data collection activities received mostly positive responses, many people said they had been waiting for this service to be improved so that it could be used in sync with the company's device ecosystem. In addition, the possibility of Apple Maps will help improve the experience as well as give users more options for map services besides common applications such as Google Maps or Waze.
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