Google Maps switched from using PSMA Australia (formerly Public Sector Mapping Authority) data to a Sensis database because it wanted more detailed data, according to Sensis.

Previously, Google used cadastral data from PSMA Australia processed by MapData Sciences to support its Google Maps service in Australia.

But recently the internet giant switched data suppliers, prompting the Spatial Industries Business Association (SIBA) to issue an alert that the potential for errors and omissions in the data may increase, because the Sensis data will be maintained by ’crowd-sourcing’.

However, Peter Barclay, head of location and navigation at Sensis, says the firm’s data is high quality.

“We believe [Google switched] because Sensis data provides complete coverage of Australia and has solid turn-by-turn navigational attributes,” he said. “We are constantly driving the road network to update our information.”

Rather than consistently taking information from Sensis, Google bought a snapshot of the database at a single point in time, which it will then maintain through a number of methods, one of which will be crowd-sourcing, or “public feedback”.

However, Barclay said Google may well come back for updates from its database in the future.

When asked to comment, MapData Sciences marketing manager David Ryan said the firm was unfussed by the move.

“We can  understand why they would do it. It’s not a reflection on the quality of data but rather different tools for different needs,” he said. “We don’t see the Google loss as a problem and maintain a strong client base across a number of sectors.”

Ryan added that Sensis hooks its data to the yellow pages and white pages, making it more useful to Google in terms of advertising.