Uber to invest $500M in alternative maps like Google's

Uber is investing $500 million towards better mapping technologies in order to decrease its reliance on Google Maps. "Accurate maps are at the heart of our service and the backbone of our business,” said Brian McClendon, ex-head of Google maps and current Uber employee. The ride-hailing company that introduced mapping cars in the U.S. last year -- and more recently in Mexico -- now plans to extend the initiative soon in other countries as well.