Uber plans own Google Maps amid merger with rival in China

Uber Technologies is reportedly investing $500m in developing an alternative to Google Maps as its operation in China agrees to merge with rival Didi Chuxing.

The mapping project is aimed at securing the online transport company’s independence from Google Maps in the short term and is linked to long-term plans to develop its own self-driving cars.

The mapping project appears to have started after Uber’s failed $3bn bid in 2015 to acquire Nokia’s Here Maps division, which was sold to a consortium of car makers in Europe, reports Neowin.net.

Uber and its driver-hailing app are heavily dependent on Google Maps, which has recently put up prices for companies to use, raising concerns about further increases, reports the Financial Times.

The project is also aimed at enabling users to specify pick-up and drop-off points with greater precision, especially in countries where Google Maps are less accurate than in the US.

Uber has already started collecting images for maps in the US and Mexico, and has assembled a strong technical team that includes the former head of Google Maps, Brian McClendon.

In 2015, Uber also acquired a portion of Microsoft’s Bing mapping division and mapping company deCarta that developed the navigation component of General Motors’ OnStar vehicle software.   

In July 2016, satellite imaging company DigitalGlobe announced a multi-year, global partnership with Uber to supply high resolution satellite imagery.

In a recent blog post, McClendon said accurate maps are at the heart of Uber’s service and the backbone of its business.

“The on-going need for maps tailored to the Uber experience is why we’re doubling down on our investment in mapping,” he wrote.

According to McClendon, the imaging project already under way in the US and Mexico is set to extend to other countries soon, and is focused on identifying the best routes and pick-up and drop-off points.

“I remain excited by the prospect of how maps can put the world at our fingertips, improve everyday life, impact billions of people and enable innovations we can’t even imagine today,” he wrote.