Apple Buys Startup that Analyzes Map Data

Apple Inc. spent a reported $25 million to acquire Mapsense, a two-year-old startup in San Francisco that has been developing technology to analyze mapping and location data, reports tech Web site Re/code.

Mapsense's capabilities can make data-driven interactive maps from information collected from connected cars and smartphones. The acquisition could add capacity to Apple's own mapping app and support the company's secretive plans to develop an electric car and/or advanced services for such vehicles.

Mapsense's 12-member staff includes former employees of Apple, Google and Palantir. The latter company has raised $2.5 billion in funding to develop what its founder describes as a "basemap" that, among other things, details the dimensions of every building in the U.S.