The Country Fire Authority (CFA) in Victoria, Australia has warned users of their mobile app that if they are using an iPhone or iPad with the most recent operating system, iOS6, some towns are not located correctly on the maps provided by Apple.
The FireReady app is designed to deliver timely information about bushfires and other emergencies to smartphone owners in Victoria. It can provide push notifications to let you know if there is a fire near your location.
Users report that some towns are located on their maps at the center of the district rather than the actual location. The CFA has contacted Apple Australia a number of times but they have not provided a solution. This is not just a problem for the FireReady Apple app, but similar inaccuracies have been found world-wide in Apple Maps. In November Apple fired two key managers responsible for developing the program, including their head of software development, Scott Forstall.
This malfunction only applies to Apple devices which are forced to use the problem-plagued Apple Maps. Those who have Android phones have the luxury of seeing Google Maps displayed by the app.
In addition to providing current information about ongoing bushfires, the app also allows users to upload photos of incidents. Below are two examples that were sent in on February 11 of the Shapparton fire.
