By
Christopher Broughton
(inspired by the Google Fusion Table Exercise)
When
Google Maps became the digital mapping standard, we neglected the
need memorize directions, became slightly creeped out by the street
view function, and kicked our Rand McNally paperback atlas collection
into the same black hole as the two-way pager. The technology was
unparalleled; offering users an amazing route planner that supported
everything from motorists to public transportation riders and
pedestrians, as well as access to an extensive database of businesses
by location. It is offered on Android, PlayStation, Windows Mobile,
BlackBerry, Palm, and Apple’s iPhone.
In
June 2012, Apple announced that they would replace Google Maps with
their own
maps service on iOS 6. Initially, Apple users praised the
application for its fun 3D mode and turn by turn directions. Not
before long the software came under fierce criticism for several
problems and errors. The turn-by-turn directions were a valuable
resource until a driver was instructed to turn into a ditch, the
hood, or simply the wrong destination. Apple users were primarily
unsatisfied with the technology because of the following:
- Directions unavailable without cellular data network
- Inaccurate location tracking
- Fewer businesses embedded than Google Maps
- Inaccurate labels of businesses and locations
- Inferior to Google Street View
- Poor routing
Fortunately,
on December 13, 2012, Google announced the debut of Google Maps in
the Apple App
Store.It became the top free app in the App Store just hours
after its release. Although it doesn’t enjoy the crisp integration
into the iOS as it had as a system service, the new version offers
more intuitive and user friendly features. But do you really think
Apple would let this go down? Not at all.
Last
week, Apple filed for a "3D
Position Tracking for Panoramic Imagery Navigation" with the
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The document reads,”Position
tracking subsystems and onboard sensors enable a mobile device to
navigate virtually a location in panoramic imagery. Physically moving
the device through space provides translation data that can be used
to move up or down a virtual street or other navigation actions.”
The patent describes a way to physically move a mobile device through
space in order to move around in the virtual map environment. The
technology could let you virtually enter and exit a building, go
through an intersection, or turn at a street corner. In writing, the
new Apple map modifications upstages Google's Street View, which
forces users to swipe to navigate through streets, which is actually
a very complicated process.
Patent
filing can be found here:
Click here to see
In
the comments, tell me about your experiences with the map services.
What problems have you had? Which do you prefer? How can they improve
the service?
Yes, I completely agree that Apple Maps was horrible! One day, I really wanted to go to Chik FIl A and was directed to the middle of a residential neighborhood. I downloaded Google Maps immediately in December and have had a great time using it ever since. Yes, I do wish that the OS integration was a nice as before, but that is a fundamental problem with iOS, barring select cases, if it isn't Apple, it is not getting primary support. Also, I wish that Google made it easier to switch from searching places via the web app to the standalone app. It would make searching for places on Safari and then bring up those results via the app that much more easier.
ReplyDeleteGreat Post!when the software was first introduce, most apple customers including myself face several problems and errors. The turn-by-turn directions were a valuable resource until a driver was instructed to turn into a ditch, the hood, or simply the wrong destination.
ReplyDeleteI think that I like google maps better than apple's version. Google maps just seems to be more user friendly and I can find things much quicker. As you stated apple maps does have a lot of problems. Even now when I try to use apple's turn by turn directions it often directs me the wrong way or takes me the long way, not to mention it drains my battery quickly. If apple updates this feature then I would definitely prefer apples version. Good post.
ReplyDeleteGoogle seems to find success in maintaining a standard of broad sweeping technological involvement. Quantity of information and devices is allowing the company to fend off Apple's superior specialized technology and consumer appeal. With reference to Google maps, Google has won out for now in that their application is more practical due to the fact that more businesses and places are accurately registered in the Google Database. No one likes being lost when they don't want to be. Some like adventure, few like disappointment. Apple's map system failed in it's last grand attempt, but I would watch for them to re-arrive on the scene with a service worth giving a second shot.
ReplyDeleteThe following link is a fun video about being lost:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svQOA2YhTlo