A fascinating in-depth look by Alexis Madrigal at how Google maps the world. What’s interesting to me is just how much human involvement this takes — there’s no doubt that Google Maps is the premier online mapping service — [but how does Google make money off of Maps](http://www.quora.com/How-does-Google-Maps-make-money)?

That’s the real question. Having used iOS 6’s new mapping application, it’s readily apparent to me that while not *as good* as Google’s, I’ve yet to be frustrated, lost, or annoyed by Apple’s offering. Which is to say, I bet most other people won’t be bothered by Apple’s offering either — where does that leave Google? Will people really care to download a Google Maps app, when the built in one is pretty damned good too?

Does Mapquest often get downloaded on iPhones? I think we have our answer.

So while Google spends millions, billions(?), on maps I have to wonder if it will all have been wasted as a source of income for them.