You know all those rumors about Apple dumping Google as the mapping software in mobile devices? Well, it’s starting to look like a real arms race in that particular space. Google made a big to-do yesterday of an announcement about updates and changes to Google Maps. The company is deploying fleets of airplanes over major cities to do more detailed topographical maps so that later this year it can launch 3D maps of those cities. You know, just like no one’s been asking for.

From Reuters:

In what appeared to be a veiled jab at Apple, he said the integration with Google’s search engine provides a mapping serving that is far more useful than a product that simply uses a “geocoder” — technology that uses geographic coordinates to create a digital map. Apple began to use its own geocoder technology for the Google-based maps on its smartphones late last year.

You’ll also be able to download maps and see them offline.

Here’s the difference between where you work and Google. At your work, a new project means some meetings and a budget revision or two. At Google, it means FLEETS OF AIRPLANES TAKING 3D PICTURES.