The social network has acquired a Mapillary startup that specializes in real-time street mapping, with more than a billion user-submitted photos • The purchase amount is unknown

• Photo by EPA

Facebook has acquired Swedish map startup Mapillary, in what may be an effort to compete with popular Google Maps apps. The map company, founded in 2013, is similar to its competitors in that it uses advanced technology from satellite imagery, city data, images and videos that tens of thousands of its members from around the world make in an effort to provide more accurate information.

The amount of the deal was not disclosed, but according to data released the company has raised $ 24.5 million from investors over the past seven years. Jan Erik Sulam, co-founder of the Swedish company addressed the topic on the company's official blog and wrote, "We are happy to share with you that Mapillary joined Facebook to be part of the company's efforts," adding: "The two companies share the common goal of building tools and technology for improvement Maps through a combination of machine learning, satellite imagery and partnerships with mapping communities. "

Apple and Google have been investing heavily in mapping the streets over the past decade, something that Facebook still can't quite boast about - which is exactly the reason for the acquisition. The Swedish startup, which already has more than a billion pictures, asks users to upload street photographs to build a highly detailed street map of the world. This is similar to what Google does, but here basically anyone can share updated photos on the map, without waiting for Google to make a turn in the neighborhood - which happens every few years.

And you can't say it's not a smart move. Facebook now has more than 2.5 billion users worldwide, and advanced maps of this kind can provide people with more accurate traffic times, and of course, up-to-date images of areas that have changed over the years.