Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) Maps Consumes 80% Less Data than Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)

It is a known fact that Tim Cook and his team have constantly received harsh criticism in the wake of launching their own mapping tool along with the iOS 6 update. However, it has been revealed that Apple Inc.(NASDAQ:AAPL)’s mapping app utilizes less data than arch-rival Google Maps. The difference in utilization rates is 80%!

Apple products had used Google Inc(NASDAQ:GOOG) Maps from the time it came into existence, but it replaced the app with its in-house tool after unveiling the iPhone 5. Their mapping app uses data provided by TomTom’s TeleAtlas mapping unit, which uses vector-based graphics as opposed to raster-based graphics previously used by Google Maps on iOS platforms.

The difference between the two graphics technology is – with vector-based graphics, a shift in position means the app just refreshes to show new and updated mapping imagery relevant to your location. Only the extra data needs to be downloaded rather than downloading the whole map view again. Raster graphics requires a fresh download each time you move and the map needs to show a different view, leading to higher data consumption. Comparing both technologies, the odds are in favor of Apple being 80% more efficient.

Data experts from Onavo research have tested both mapping tools by looking for cities in US, addresses, airports, zooming in and out to get specific views of locations. Google Maps uses a data volume of 1.3 MB with each step, whereas Apple uses only 271 KB, which is more or less 80% lesser than Google. Zooming actions by Apple clearly show 7X efficiency over Google.

This sure is one huge advantage for Apple over Google and it is beneficial for users as well.