In recent weeks a number of minivans sporting camera equipment as well as LiDAR sensors mounted to the roof have occurred in the Concord, California area. The sightings could be due to a new Apple project, possibly a large update to their Maps app, as at least one of the cars is registered to the company, as was confirmed by the DMV.

San Francisco’s KPIX reported the sightings when they filmed a Dodge Caravan sporting an impressive range of camera equipment (watch the clip below). ClayCord have also posted various photos of the mystery car as it made its way around the Concord area.

In addition to the cameras, the front and rear of the car is also fitted with a pair of spinning cylindrical devices, which appear to be LiDAR sensors. These sensors are used to make high-resolution maps. They are also used as sensing systems on self-driving vehicles.

After receiving some comments on their article, ClayCord did note that the car resembles a self-driving Dodge Caravan that was spotted in New York in September last year. They also noted that the car’s cameras had a similar set-up to Google Inc.’s self-driving cars; however, those cars are always clearly branded, so this is definitely someone else.

In March 2014, 9to5Mac reported that, according to sources, “Apple was readying an upgraded version of its iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Maps application for the next major release of iOS in an effort to battle Google for mobile maps supremacy.” They also reported that Apple was working on “unique ways for integrating indoor mapping views and enhanced car integration for future versions of iOS” as well as augmented reality functionality that would allow you to see nearby points of interest, using the iPhone’s compass hardware.

If Apple is in fact working on enhancing their Maps application, then we will likely have to wait until the expected September launch, when iOS 9 is likely to make an appearance. Then all the questions about the mysterious Dodge Caravan will hopefully be answered.

Screenshot via Apple Inc.