Google and Apple are racing to produce aerial maps so detailed they can show up objects just four inches wide.
Hyper-real: 3D mapping services used by C3 Technologies (as purchased by Apple) will form the main part of the software giant's new mapping service
Google admits it has already sent planes over cities while Apple has acquired a firm using spy-in-the-sky technology that has been tested on at least 20 locations, including London.
All powerful: Apple's newly-acquired technology uses military-grade camera equipment to produce realistic 3D maps of big cities and residential streets
Google will use its spy planes to help create 3D maps with much more detail than its satellite-derived Google Earth images.
