Apple acquires online mapping company Poly9 - report
Apple has purchased a Web-based mapping company from Quebec, Canada, that creates interactive 3D software for use in a browser, according to a new report. — French-Canadian news site cyberpresse.ca reported Wednesday (via Google Translate) …
Context & Ripple Effects
The Poly9 report follows 2009 coverage of Apple’s purchase of Placebase amid questions about replacing Google Maps. With Placebase associated with map data and Poly9 with browser-based interactive 3D software, the reported deal suggests Apple is assembling capabilities across more than one layer of mapping.
First-order effects
- If confirmed, the acquisition puts Poly9’s interactive 3D mapping software and team under Apple’s control.
- Apple would add a browser-oriented visualization capability alongside the mapping assets associated with Placebase.
Second-order effects
- Combining Placebase’s mapping position with Poly9’s 3D presentation software would give Apple more scope to integrate data and map visualization internally rather than treating them as separate supplier functions.
Third-order effects
- If Apple continues to acquire complementary mapping components, mapping may become a vertically assembled platform capability rather than a single external service.
The trend: Apple’s reported mapping purchases point to a strategy of bringing distinct parts of the mapping stack under one roof.