Apple has updated its Maps app to correct an error that led Australian police to issue a warning against using the service.
This week, police in the Australian town of Mildura, Victoria issued a news release saying they've responded to several drivers who found themselves in Murray Sunset National Park after following incorrect directions to the town from Apple's Maps that left them stranded in the semi-arid park, where temperatures can reach 46C and there is no water supply.
"We've had at least four documented cases," senior sergeant Stephen Phelan said on Monday, ahead of Apple's update. "The map puts it at least 70 kilometres (45 miles) from where it should be. We have had people bogged down in Sunset country."
Mildura police, who called the problem a "potentially life-threatening issue," contacted Apple to alert them to the mistake, and advised travellers to use a different mapping service until the issue is resolved.
(Above: Red pin shows where Apple Maps led drivers, purple pin shows where Mildura really is)
Apple has since updated the location of Mildura on its mapping service, so that searches for the town point users to the correct place, reports the Guardian.
Apple's new mapping service was launched with iOS 6 in September, but was met by widespread criticism, after it was discovered that landmarks had been relocated, buildings were obscured by cloud and some areas were shown in black and white.
Just a week after it was released, Apple CEO Tim Cook issued a public apology for its mapping service, and advised users to download alternatives such as the Google Maps web app.
See also:
Apple: 'We're working non-stop to improve iOS 6 Maps'
Steve Wozniak 'disappointed' with Apple's iOS 6 Maps app
Upcoming iTunes 11 update to bring back duplicate song search
Tim Cook: 'We screwed up'
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Comments received
Robin315 said on Tue, 11 Dec 2012
All the plaudits to Apple for amending their Maps App but come on guys. Apple made it VERY CLEAR that there was a problem with their App. Not good I agree but they did 'fess up to their error. I have to ask what kind of bozo goes into a life-threatening situation - relying on an App that's been well publicised as being wrong? I mean - if your life depended on it get a map and a compass and do it the old fashioned way. These guys are definitely a few sandwiches short of a picnic.
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