Apple launches additional data inclusions into Apple Maps with Indigenous Lands and Traditional Owner information at a glance

Starting today users of Apple Maps will start to see and have available a wide range of new information across the Australian map including searchable indigenous names for places, highlighted Indigenous Protected areas and Traditional country as well as labels showing the Traditional Owners across the entire Australian contintent.

In what I believe is an Australian First, given I see no references to this on Google Maps, Apple has followed the lead initiated in the USA where reserves and Indigenous place names are clearly visible and labelled on the map across the country.

And in day to day use, you might not come across much of this – even when you see these updated Apple Maps, however, it’s an important step that recognises the efforts Indigenous Australians have gone to in obtaining clearly outlined protected zones and reserves as well as respecting the indigenous labels for many areas across Australia.

Where a known location has a clear indigenous name, that will be shown after the common name – For example Sydney Cove will show as “Sydney Cove / Warrane” – simple things like that.

As you look at the map at a wider view, places like the Northern Territory have clear areas of Indigenous land clearly marked and labelled.

So serious is Apple about this, their Executive Alisha Johson Wilder, Senior Director of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives flew to Australia for the announcement. Ms Wilder says “We’ve had teams in Australia and New Zealand for over 40 years, and we’re thrilled to deepen our relationships here and bring new opportunities to communities across both countries,” s

“These efforts put community first by representing Indigenous land, expanding access to education, and protecting our shared environment.”

Another key aspect of the changes are the inclusion of “Traditional Owner” Labels over areas. While broad and not defined by clear boundary lines, the “Eora Nation” label will appear at a wider zoom level above Sydney. This information is gathered in consultation with indigenous groups, including the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) and been combined with information from local language holders, language centres, Aboriginal Land Trusts, and ranger groups to inform the updates in Apple Maps.

Likewise, place names while they may not be shown in all map views, will be searchable in the Apple Maps interface.

In Australia, language data published by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) has been combined with information from local language holders, language centres, Aboriginal Land Trusts, and ranger groups to inform the updates in Apple Maps.

And it goes one step further, working with local communities to gather information, and process that within the maps to offer genuine community driven information about key areas, places and locations.

“Sharing our story and deep connection to the land is a meaningful moment for our community — a testament to our resilience, history, and vision for the future,” said Rodriguez Pindiying, a community member from Mamadawerre. “This isn’t just about geography; it’s about preserving our culture and ensuring Mamadawerre’s legacy for generations. Through Apple, we have the rare privilege of sharing our heritage on a global stage, reminding the world that no matter how distant we may seem, our connection to the land, to each other, and to the world is universal.”

These updates should be visible to Apple Maps users now.