A government funded utility that utilizes regional GIS and aerial mapping would go a long way. Google’s got the upper hand on directions and traffic reporting though, so that would take more time to make effective. A lot of that is genuinely due to the number of users that exist on the platform though. I think if you tried to implement similar location data analysis for government infrastructure, people would be up in arms at the idea, despite being perfectly happy to provide the same data to Google.
It’s unfortunate that Google is as prevalent a default service as they are, but it’s hard to ignore how good a service they offer, and how long the development period has been to get them there.
I have been using the StreetComplete app that ties to that. It is actually helpful because I noticed some bad information on the local maps that was very easy to correct in the app.
Yeah! StreetComplete is great! They really make it easy to improve the maps. It’s even motivated me to get out and walk more so I can complete the little quests.
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A government funded utility that utilizes regional GIS and aerial mapping would go a long way. Google’s got the upper hand on directions and traffic reporting though, so that would take more time to make effective. A lot of that is genuinely due to the number of users that exist on the platform though. I think if you tried to implement similar location data analysis for government infrastructure, people would be up in arms at the idea, despite being perfectly happy to provide the same data to Google.
It’s unfortunate that Google is as prevalent a default service as they are, but it’s hard to ignore how good a service they offer, and how long the development period has been to get them there.
Yeah people have to start using OpenMaps more, and OSMAnd app alternative for navigation
Yep! I recently created an account with https://www.openstreetmap.org/ and started mapping my local area. Fuck Google.
I have been using the StreetComplete app that ties to that. It is actually helpful because I noticed some bad information on the local maps that was very easy to correct in the app.
Yeah! StreetComplete is great! They really make it easy to improve the maps. It’s even motivated me to get out and walk more so I can complete the little quests.
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I also recommend Magic Earth, I find the navigation to be more reliable than OSMAnd+
just scrape the traffic data, it’s what they would do.