Apple Surveyor app rolls out for those looking to improve Apple Maps

Apple has introduced a bunch of updates for Apple Maps over the past few months making it a worthy competitor to Google Maps. From rolling out a full-fledged web version to adding a street view-like Look Around feature, there’s a lot in store that hints at the tech giant levelling up its navigation app for users in the near future.

In a recent update, Apple quietly rolled out an app — known as Surveyor — wherein users can collect real-time mapping data and help improve Apple Maps. Here’s what you should know:

Apple rolls out Surveyor app: What's there to know?

According to a report published by Mac Rumours, the Surveyor app will primarily allow users to collect street signs, traffic signals as well as roadside details to ensure Apple Maps remains up to date.

Once installed on an Apple device, the app will prompt the user to open a specific partner app (currently, the only option available seems to be Premise). Premise happens to be a platform that offers incentive-based rewards to users who complete some ‘simple tasks’, such as specific surveys, sharing personal information about themselves or photographing specific locations.

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The report further suggests that Apple may leverage Premise (or similar apps) to encourage users to improve Apple Maps. Their contribution will share real-time information with the company in exchange for rewards or other incentives. It mentions that users will have to mount their iPhones in landscape mode to use the app and will be able to capture images along a suggested route.

Apple Surveyor app: How to download and use this app

Unlike Apple’s standard consumer apps, Surveyor doesn’t seem to be available for everyone. For now, it seems as though the brand is targeting a specific group of people who can help by participating in the activity. Although not listed as an official Apple Maps partner, the integration with Premise certainly indicates a long-term collaboration with Apple Maps.

The Surveyor app will also be a free app; however, for now, it remains available only for its US users. While it isn’t clear as to when the app could make its way to the Indian market, the move puts it closer to the likes of Google Maps, which often relies on a community-driven approach to make improvements to its app.