Uber To Invest $500M On Detailed Worldwide Map, To Say Goodbye To Google Map?

Uber is currently relying heavily on Google's extensive maps. It has been a good starting point for the company but did not provide traffic patterns, locations of doors, potential pickup locations and other granular level of details that Uber could utilize.

The ambitious global mapping project investment will allow the company to tailor-make its own map that would provide the necessary levels of details. Detailed maps are crucial to Uber's future operations as the company has already begun taking some steps into using autonomous vehicles. These vehicles would rely heavily on precise maps.

With Uber's mapping project, it could potentially provide better location tracking services such as pinpointing pick up and drop off locations, making user experience more seamless for drivers and riders. This development could also help in the long run from a financial standpoint, freeing Uber from fluctuating Google Maps usage fees, Slash Gear reported.

Earlier this week, Uber has reportedly expanded their mapping efforts in Mexico. This appears to be a first step in their larger worldwide mapping project. It has also been reported that the company has acquired mapping companies and forged partnerships with TomTom and DigitalGlobe companies. In addition, the company acquired technology used by Microsoft's Bing maps and reportedly hired former Google employees such as McClendon. It is not clear whether Uber is developing the maps only for its in-house use, although that seems likely, Computer World reported.

Uber believes that their investment could help improve its service in areas where Google Maps has not extended its service yet. There are also speculations that Uber wants to distance from Google as they may one day become competitors in the business of self driving technologies.