Apple is doing its bit for US-Canadian trade relations - and perhaps shining another light on strategy - after buying Quebec-based 3D interactive mapping software maker Poly9.
The move follows the acquisition of voice search technology provider Siri in May 2010 and is not the first time Apple has splashed out in the mapping arena, having bought PlaceBase in 2009.
Poly9 is the maker of a Google Earth-esque mapping system but one that is solely based in the web browser, rather than the desktop-led effort from Google.
The system also has some geo engineering tools based to pinpoint the precise whereabouts of a user on the map.
According to AppleInsider, Poly9 employees are moving to Apple HQ in the US and the company's website is already offline.
Once again, such acquisitions will stir the hornet's nest of intrigue surrounding what Apple is considering doing in the future, especially with the launch of the iPad now under its belt.
But this latest move will furrow the brows even further over whether Apple is considering a raft of tools and applications, including the already patented iTravel, to make searching and buying travel easier on its various devices.