Apple bolsters mapping capabilities with acquisition
Apple (AAPL) has purchased Coherent Navigation, a Global Positioning System software company, in a move to catch up with rivals in location-based technology. Apple confirmed the acquisition on Sunday, saying it buys smaller technology companies from time to time, the New York Times reported. Apple declined to discuss its plans for Coherent, a startup based in San Mateo, Calif., nor did it disclose the purchase price. Coherent Navigation developed a commercial high-precision navigation service that leverages the Iridium (IRDM) satellite network. Applications for its technology include agriculture, surveying, construction, mining, and oil and gas exploration. Coherent CEO Paul Lego is now a member of the Apple Maps team, according to his LinkedIn profile. Apple launched its Apple Maps software as a mobile app in September 2012, and it was roundly criticized for incorrect maps and poor routing. Apple made Apple Maps the default mapping…