A pedestrian Apple Maps camera has been spotted getting footage in Leeds.
A Leeds resident was caught off guard after seeing a man walking along Burton Road in Beeston wearing a backpack with a large Apple Maps camera attached.
Marti Blagborough, 32, was on his way to collect his children from school on Monday 16th June when he noticed the unusual sight.
The man was carrying a tall, pole-mounted 360-degree camera fixed to a large backpack. The Apple Maps logo was clearly visible on the equipment, and he appeared to be following a precise route along the pavement.
Apple confirms on its website that it sends workers on foot to collect imagery in areas that may be hard to access by car, or to improve its Look Around feature. The Look Around tool gives Apple Maps users an interactive 360-degree view of streets, similar to Google Street View.
via SWNS
Burton Road is accessible by vehicle, which suggests the person was collecting enhanced pedestrian-level images. This kind of detailed footage can improve how footpaths, entrances and side streets appear on the app.
According to Apple, pedestrian camera work in Leeds began on 2nd May 2025 and will continue until 4th July this year.
Marti, who captured the footage, said: “I stopped and took the video because I thought it was so unusual.”
“I have only ever seen cars doing the mapping for Apple and Google. Surely a car is far more productive as it covers ground much faster,” he added.
In addition to improving street-level visuals, the data gathered also helps Apple update business listings, crosswalk locations, and signage.
The camera technology used is equipped with sensors to capture details such as road signs and environmental conditions. These updates are part of a wider push by Apple to improve the quality of its navigation tools across the UK, with new map features expected to be rolled out later this year.
Featured image via SWNS.
