There is unlikely to be an Apple-branded drone anytime soon, but that doesn’t mean the tech giant isn’t fond of using them: Multiple reports claim that Apple Inc. is planning to use drones to enhance its Maps app.

According to Bloomberg quoting sources familiar with the matter, Apple is assembling a team of robotics and data-collection experts that will use drones to capture and update map information faster than its existing fleet of camera-and-sensor ladened minivans. The drones reportedly allow Apple to examine and monitor roads, street signs, construction areas and more, as the company has hired at least one employee from Amazon’s Air division to help run its drone team.

Apple was granted permission to fly their drones by the Federal Aviation Administration in March. The application said the company would do “aerial data collection, photography, and videography.”

That same application, first filed in September 2015, included an intent to use 11 different models of drones to capture information, and includes drones from DJI, Intel’s AscTec and Parrot.

Along with deploying drones, Apple is also said to be developing a new inside view for its Maps app and improvements for car navigation. The indoor mapping view may allow iPhone users to navigate through museums and airports, while the improvements on the driving side will include better assistance for changing lanes while driving.

Four years ago, Apple had a disastrous launch of its own Maps app. At one point, it was actually labeled as being dangerous. Apple has improved the product since then, but despite becoming more popular on the iPhone, by proxy because it comes preinstalled with iOS, the product has long lagged behind Google Maps in terms of its feature set.

The proposed addition of drone footage is not going to give it a huge advantage, but if it includes features such as flyovers, it will give Apple Maps a clear point of differentiation against the Goliath that is Google Maps.

Image credit: Pixabay/Public Domain CC0