The intention to double down on its investment in mapping was revealed by Uber last week, while the $500 million figure was disclosed over the weekend to the Financial Times by an unnamed source familiar with the company’s plans.
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Last year, it was reported that Uber made a massive 3 billion dollar bid for Nokia’s HERE Maps unit but could not acquire it. One of those technologies is now its own, with Uber rolling out its own mapping cars to develop more tailored functionality for drivers and passengers. This new investment will allow the company to build up tailor-made maps that would provide this level of detail.
He adds, “The street imagery captured by our mapping cars will help us improve core elements of the Uber experience, like ideal pick-up and drop-off points and the best routes for riders and drivers”.
Uber mapping cars have been deployed throughout the US since 2015. And it should come as no small surprise that Uber is now looking to eliminate its reliance on Google Maps and instead use its own mapping service to power users’ ride-hailing experiences. This summer, Mexico is also being charted, and Uber will soon expand its global mapping efforts into other locations.
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Over the past decade mapping innovation has disrupted industries and changed daily life in ways I couldn’t have imagined when I started. In a post on Uber’s website, Brian McClendon writes, “Existing maps are a good starting point, but some information isn’t that relevant to Uber, like ocean topography”. That progress will only accelerate in the coming years especially with technologies like self-driving cars. Today I lead Uber’s mapping efforts to ensure we can provide a safe, reliable ride – no matter where you are.
