Apple Maps is stepping up its Street View game by sending out team members in specialized backpacks through cities around Canada over the next few weeks. The backpackers are on a mission to collect data for the new Look Around feature on Apple Maps, which lets you see the city from a pedestrian’s point of view.
Look Around is already available in select cities worldwide, and it looks like British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec are Apple’s first priority to bring the feature to Canada. Backpackers will be hitting these three provinces until October 31st, but Apple says they might revisit these areas to keep their maps up to date.
Apple describes it as an “interactive 3D experience that lets you pan 360 degrees and move through the streets,” when you’re using Apple Maps. It lets you experience the view as if you were walking right in the heart of it. The company has a step-by-step guide for how to use it on your device.
Recent Posts
Good news stories from across Canada to welcome in the weekend
Pokémon-themed Oreo cookies have been announced & people are going wild
I ran into the guy who does walking and hiking trails for Apple Maps today and I think I’m going to need one of these backpacks. pic.twitter.com/z14TViyoyT
— Jacob Soboroff (@jacobsoboroff) April 12, 2021
In Ontario, the backpackers will be heading out to Toronto and Durham Region — you can see exactly where they’ll be going on this map. In Quebec, you’ll spot them in Montreal, Longueuil, and Roussillon. As for British Columbia, Apple Maps only plans to visit these specific parts of Greater Vancouver.
If you’re worried about Apple Maps catching you on a bad hair day, don’t worry. The company says that all faces and license plates are blurred out on Look Around to protect your privacy.
So, the next time you’re out for a jog and notice a backpacker who seems a little bit out of place, now you know what they’re up to!
