Apple released the iPhone 5 in Ireland on September 28th and with it came the company’s own new map application. 

Apple Maps was launched as part of the iOS6 software update for iPad and iPhones alike. 

Google maps had been the default map application from 2007. The latest version of Google Maps is now available for download for free from the Apple App Store.

A helpful hint for the new Google Maps app is if you see something off; simply shake your phone to send them feedback. 

A blog by Daniel Graf, Director, Google Maps for Mobile today explained: Google Maps “is a sharper looking, vector-based map that loads quickly and provides smooth tilting and rotating of 2D and 3D views. 

“At the heart of this app is our constantly improving map of the world that includes detailed information for more than 80 million businesses and points of interest. 

“Google Maps  voice-guided, turn-by-turn navigation, live traffic conditions to avoid the jams and if you want to use public transportation, find information for more than one million public transit stops

“The new Google Maps app is available for the iPhone and iPod Touch (4th gen) iOS 5.1 and higher, in more than 40 countries and 29 languages, including Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish.”

In September, complaints began flooding in after errors in the Apple Maps version placed Dublin Zoo in Temple Bar and not in Phoenix Park. An airport was mistakenly situated in Dundrum, south of Dublin city. 

Earlier this week Australian police have warned that inaccuracies in Apple Maps could be "life-threatening". 

Police in the Australian State of Victoria revealed they have been called to help a number of drivers stranded in searing heat without food or water in Mildura National Park after they had followed the directions of the software.

Tests on the mapping system by police there confirm the system lists Mildura as approximately 70 kilometres away from its actual location.

Victoria State Police were extremely concerned as there is no water supply within the park and temperatures can reach as high as 46 degrees, "making this a potentially life threatening issue."

Some of the motorists located by police walked long distances through dangerous terrain to get phone reception.

Apple CEO Tim Cook apologised for the programme which had been built internally from the ground up. 

“As time progressed, we wanted to provide our customers with even better Maps including features such as turn-by-turn directions, voice integration, flyover and vector-based maps” Cook said in a statement.

“There are more than 100 million iOS devices using the new Apple Maps, with more and more joining us every day”.