STARTING today, ride-hailing service Uber will have mappers on the Sunshine Coast snapping photos and collecting local data to help improve its mapping system.

Business names and road names are among the information that'll help improve route choices and identify street segments that are better suited for pick-ups and drop-offs, says Uber head of maps Manik Gupta.

Uber's mobile-phone based service allows users to book a ride through an app, which shows them a map of their location and destination.

Riders can watch their ride approaching, while drivers rely on good maps to get from A to B quickly.

Mudjimba resident and former bus driver Lynnette Webber is among the drivers who start mapping work with the global technology giant today.

"I'm looking forward to seeing how it all works behind the scenes and helping to map the local area," she said.

Mr Gupta said six cars would from today be on Coast roads using mapping devices mounted on the vehicles' roofs to collect data.

"Mobile maps and GPS [global positioning systems] allow us to match you with the closest available driver, navigate the fastest path to your destination, and give you an accurate ETA [estimated time of arrival].

"Accurate maps are at the core of our mission: to provide reliable transport to everyone, everywhere.

"Existing maps are a good starting point, but some information isn't that relevant to Uber, like ocean topography. There are other things we need to know a lot more about, like traffic patterns and precise pickup and dropoff locations.

"These vehicles are collecting imagery on the Sunshine Coast where this information can improve our underlying technology, such as where it can help determine and improve suggested pick-up and drop-off points or more accurate routes and arrival times."