Apple Maps
Apple Maps is a digital mapping service with detailed, interactive maps, satellite imagery, and location-based information.
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Apple Maps is a digital mapping service with detailed, interactive maps, satellite imagery, and location-based information.
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Apple Maps can be useful for open source researchers due to its high-resolution imagery and detailed mapping capabilities. Here are some features of interest:
High-Resolution Imagery: Provides clear satellite views, useful for analyzing geographical and structural details.
Detailed City Data: Includes 3D views and indoor maps of significant landmarks, airports, and shopping centers.
Search Functions: Location search by name, coordinates, or landmarks.
Environmental Data: Offers data on air quality and weather, helpful for tracking environmental conditions in specific areas.
Privacy-Focused: Ensures that data collected from usage isn't tied to user profiles, maintaining researcher anonymity. See and the .
Features (MacOS and mobile):
3D view
Compass North: realign the map to compass north.
Current Location: option to centre map at users location.
Directions: get directions from your current location or between two locations by car, walking, public transport or bike including travel time.
Favourites: add new place to favourites
Guides: create collections of locations in a guide.
Language: supports multiple languages.
Layers: multiple map layers available including Explore, Driving, Public Transport and Satellite.
Look Around (Street View): see current street view imagery ().
Print: print the current map or save it to PDF.
Search: search by address, general location or latitude and longitude.
Send to phone (from the desktop): share the current view to your phone.
Sharing and embedding: share selected locations as a link or to Apple Desktop applications.
Weather: see the current weather at the selected location.
Zoom tool: zoom in and out on the map.
The example below shows a 3D view in Apple Maps Desktop of a search for Amsterdam:
Apple Maps, with its rich features and extensive data, can be a powerful tool in the realm of open source research. Here are some potential use cases:
Geolocation Verification: Verifying the location of a photo or video shared on social media to confirm the authenticity of claims made online.
Investigative Reporting: Tracking and mapping out relevant locations to a story, thereby providing readers with a clearer understanding of the spatial relationships and geographical details of the investigation.
Historical Analysis: Comparing current maps with historical data to highlight changes over time in areas of interest, which can add depth to stories on urban development, environmental changes, or socio-economic shift.
Infrastructure Analysis: Analyzing satellite images and 3D maps of infrastructure for changes or developments that might indicate political, military, or economic events.
Environmental Monitoring: Monitoring changes in landscapes, forest cover, water bodies, etc., to report on environmental issues or natural disasters.
Web: any modern web browser
Mobile: iOS
Developer Platform: Apple account with email address and a credit card.
Limited Web Version: the web version (Apple Maps on the web) lacks significant functionality like searching and street view.
Open source researchers using Apple Maps should consider the following ethical implications:
To effectively use Apple Maps, especially for beginners or those looking to refine their skills, the following resources are highly recommended:
Official Wiki
Tutorials and Articles
Video Tutorials
Community and Support
provided as part of the Apple Maps app.
Bellingcat Volunteer Team/Unassigned
Limited functionality available on the web at:
Coverage: While Apple Maps has significantly improved its coverage over the years, there are still some regions, particularly in developing countries, where the map data might not be as detailed or up-to-date as in the US or Europe. Apple's documents Apple Map's coverage.
Look Around (Street View): Apple Maps' Look Around feature, similar to Google's Street View, is not as widely available globally. Its coverage is limited to major cities and places of interest. Apple's documents Apple's Look Around coverage and their page detail where and when images are being collected.
Cross-Platform Availability: Apple Maps is primarily available on iOS, macOS, and watchOS devices. Its limited availability on non-Apple platforms could be a drawback for users seeking cross-platform compatibility. Windows users can use (in beta) or have a look at .
Screenshots Use: screenshots may be used for non-commercial purposes but must be attributed e.g. Map data © 2024 Apple Inc.. For more information see .
API Rate Limits: the developer API has rate limits for more information, see .
API Use: the Apple Maps API has specific restrictions on things like caching, see the on this and for information about commercial use.
Bias and Representation: The limited coverage in developing countries and the focus on major cities and tourist attractions can lead to an implicit bias, portraying a skewed image of the world. Researchers should be mindful of this in their reporting and seek to provide a balanced view. See and .
No official wiki: Apple provides limited information here:
Learn – Apple Maps for iOS & Mac – TheMacU.com (no date). Available at: (Accessed: 12 April 2024).
Organize places in My Guides in Maps on iPhone (no date) Apple Support. Available at: (Accessed: 12 April 2024).updated, T.P. last (2022)
Apple Maps: 17 essential tips and tricks, Tom’s Guide. Available at: (Accessed: 12 April 2024).
Maps for iPhone is AWESOME now! (FULL Tutorial + iOS17) (2023). Available at: (Accessed: 12 April 2024).
Apple Inc. - United States
