Apple is reportedly planning plans to use drones and new indoor navigation features to improve its Maps service and catch Google.

The company will use drones to capture and update map information faster than its existing fleet of camera-and-sensor ladened minivans used by rival Google for Google Maps, Bloomberg reports.

Apple filed for an exemption on Sept. 21, 2015, from the Federal Aviation Administration to fly drones for commercial purposes. In a response dated March 22, 2016, the FAA granted Apple approval to "operate an unmanned aircraft system to conduct data collection, photography, and videography."

Beyond better data collection, Apple is developing an indoor mapping view that would allow users to navigate airports, and other high-traffic buildings like museums using iPhones.

Apple acquired startup Indoor.io last year to help bring its indoor mapping project to market. The company also bought WiFiSlam in 2013, another startup with indoor navigation expertise.

Digital maps are crucial tools for Apple and Google to attract developers that build travel, ride-sharing, and retail apps and services that integrate with the companies' mobile operating systems.

Since Apple Maps launched, the company has improved the app by more quickly updating data, adding a mode for navigating public transit systems, improving search results, and opening the platform to outside services.