Google Maps are great if you’re trying to find your way around a city, a country, or even inside a building. Unfortunately the latter feature is one that Apple has yet to include in their Apple Maps app. Given how notoriously inaccurate Apple Maps is, we reckon Apple should work towards making a better app before exploring indoor maps.
However according to a patent application discovered by the folks at Cult of Mac, it looks like indoor maps is something that Apple is/was exploring. Said patent was filed earlier this year and according to the patent’s description, it is expected to be used in conjunction with iBeacons, which hopefully will provide more accurate directions.
An example given by the patent involves how users could be directed to a car park. First the maps app would direct the driver to the garage itself, and then when inside, it could then direct the driver to a specific parking spot or a general location where there might be a parking spot available.
The maps will also vary depending on the location and type of building. For example shopping malls could reveal location of certain shops, special sales, discounts, movie showtimes, and so on. It’s an interesting application of iBeacon technology but whether or not the patent will materialize into an actual feature remains to be seen.
Filed in . Read more about Apple Maps, Apps and Patent.