When Apple shipped iPhoto for iOS, it was immediately apparent that many of the maps used in the consumer grade mobile photo editing and management app have been sourced from OpenStreetMap — previously, Cupertino’s apps used Google Maps exclusively. Check in service FourSquare has also moved to OpenStreetMap.

Now, according to this TechCrunch write up, Wikipedia has joined the parade away from Google Maps. Specifically, the open online encyclopedia’s iOS and Android apps now use OpenStreetMap.

Fundamentally, the issue for Apple and FourSquare is that Google has said it will begin charging high volume users for the privilege of using their Maps API. However, as Wikipedia is a non-profit, the problem of escalating fees likely wasn’t an issue as Google would have given the free and open online encyclopedia a pass.

iPhoto for iOS screen cap with an OpenStreetMap inset.

via AppleInsider