Instead of allowing Google to implement features, such as turn-by-turn navigation, that Android users have enjoyed for years, Apple instead decided to remove Google Maps from its mobile operating system. To replace it, Apple shopped around and bought its own mapping and satalite information, then had its own engineers develop an app for iOS 6. I’m sure Apple though it would be as easy as formatting any large set of information, but it turns out it isn’t. It’s clear now that kicking Google out of iOS 6 was a mistake.

Ever since the iOS 6 update last week, users have been complaining about distorted satellite imagery, incorrect map locations, and poor business searches. The worst of the new app it being chronicled in The Amazing iOS 6 Maps Tumblr blog.

So, why hasn’t Apple been able to make a Maps service comparable to Google Maps? It turns out they simply don’t have the manpower.

According to a Business Insider report, Google has 7,100 people working on Google Maps. That’s 1,100 full-time employees and 6,000 contractors who drive street view cars, fly planes, and correct map details.

Without going on an intense hiring spree, Apple can’t hope to be able to match the quality of Google Maps with an in-house Maps app. Though Apple is hiring software engineers for its Maps team, it seems it will need a few thousand more to really build a usable, trustworthy Maps.

For its part, Google is utilizing its incredible manpower to get a stand-alone iOS Google Maps app out before Christmas.

(via BGR)