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Former Uber employee ranks Google Maps, Apple Maps and Waze, prompting map app debate

PigsDad

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The article mentioned many people had a negative view of Apple Maps because of how bad it was when it launched. I'll admit, I was one of those. I remember trying it soon after it came out and it truly sucked. It was really bad, so since then, I haven't used it since. Maybe I should give it another try?

Kurt
 

buzglyd

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I use Apple Maps almost 100% of the time. I try to use Google as little as possible for anything because I don’t care to have my data harvested while I drive.
 

emeryjre

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I use apple products so not sure if apple has an app for android
I ran Google Maps and Apple Maps side by side for a while
Most of the time Apple Maps is slightly more accurate, gives me better heads up on merges, lane changes required
Apple is not as good at finding gas stations, convenience stores, etc., etc
If I am concerned about data collection on my route, I just remember they are probably tracking me by drone anyway
Like they did with Bosch
 

b2bailey

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This reminds me of a recent problem I've been having using my Android phone GPS. It's like the directions have been reduced to:
"Turn right in 1000 yards."
No street name is given.
Also, no advance notice of lane change that will be required.
I missed a turn when it said:"turn right here"
I was in middle lane and couldn't get over.

I preferred more detailed instructions.

Anyone else notice this change?
 

Ken555

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The article mentioned many people had a negative view of Apple Maps because of how bad it was when it launched. I'll admit, I was one of those. I remember trying it soon after it came out and it truly sucked. It was really bad, so since then, I haven't used it since. Maybe I should give it another try?

Kurt

I was the same, and used Waze almost exclusively for years. Lately I’ve been trying Apple Maps and am pleasantly surprised. I suggest you try it.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 

T_R_Oglodyte

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I can't address the issue of which app is better at finding the shortest route. My phone is Android and I use Google maps routinely. However, there have been occasions when I'm driving with my son (IPhone) and he opens Apple Maps to use for GPS. As a driver, I find the Apple Maps audio driving directions to be much clearer and simpler than the Google Maps audio directions.
 

jp10558

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I use Android, and TBH, I still prefer my Garmin separate GPS and cannot for the life of me figure out why they don't offer an app. Google maps is great for finding a location, but it's audio directions are horrible - "Take exit 35 towards RT35/City/State parkway/IDK why you're still talking/in 500 ft/State Street (which is the actual name on the sign)" and I've missed the turn and you still haven't shut up. Only slightly exaggerated. Also the visual is almost impossible to figure out by itself for where exactly it means you to turn.

Waze at least has useful info in the visual / audio stuff - real time traffic, police, cars stopped on the roadside, railroad crossings etc. And when you just have a map up it has the speed limits shown without needing a route entered, unlike Google Maps. Its visual indicators still are kind of hard to follow sometimes.

Garmin isn't perfect, in fact the devices seem to have noticeably less POIs, sometimes I can't find addresses either, and it's sometimes like a plaza off in its locations. But for highway driving and exits etc it's by far the most clear - the line showing the lane you should be in, the exit "picture views"... I also like the somewhat accurate "90 degree turn vs bear in a direction etc" display. That it works if I don't have cell service is also quite nice.
 

PcflEZFlng

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I've been using Google Maps, even though I have Apple Maps natively. But that's b/c I used to experience poor performance with AM and that perception has stuck with me, like with so many others apparently. But I had a wake-up call last week when I tried to use GM to get to a location, and its performance was amazingly bad. All the way there, it kept trying to re-route us from the freeway to side roads for a much longer journey, even though traffic conditions didn't warrant it. So after reading this article just now, I ran a test to the same location, using AM, GM, and Waze. AM and Waze correctly directed me to the freeway for a short 28-min drive. GM again tried to send me on the same crazy path it did before, furthermore estimating it would take 6.5 hours to get there!
 

buzglyd

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I've been using Google Maps, even though I have Apple Maps natively. But that's b/c I used to experience poor performance with AM and that perception has stuck with me, like with so many others apparently. But I had a wake-up call last week when I tried to use GM to get to a location, and its performance was amazingly bad. All the way there, it kept trying to re-route us from the freeway to side roads for a much longer journey, even though traffic conditions didn't warrant it. So after reading this article just now, I ran a test to the same location, using AM, GM, and Waze. AM and Waze correctly directed me to the freeway for a short 28-min drive. GM again tried to send me on the same crazy path it did before, furthermore estimating it would take 6.5 hours to get there!
Google always tries to route me off of 5 south in Capistrano and onto the frontage road and then back onto the freeway.
 

TheHolleys87

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This is a timely thread for me! I’ve used GM for years (previously used Waze) because of AM’s early reputation. But we’re getting ready to trade in our 2019 Prius on a 2025 Camry that has Apple Car Play, and I was looking forward to using GM on it. I think I’ll start using AM now to see how it works, knowing it will be much easier to set up AM than GM on Car Play. Thanks for the link, @MULTIZ321!
 

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I use Android, and TBH, I still prefer my Garmin separate GPS and cannot for the life of me figure out why they don't offer an app. Google maps is great for finding a location, but it's audio directions are horrible - "Take exit 35 towards RT35/City/State parkway/IDK why you're still talking/in 500 ft/State Street (which is the actual name on the sign)" and I've missed the turn and you still haven't shut up. Only slightly exaggerated. Also the visual is almost impossible to figure out by itself for where exactly it means you to turn.

Waze at least has useful info in the visual / audio stuff - real time traffic, police, cars stopped on the roadside, railroad crossings etc. And when you just have a map up it has the speed limits shown without needing a route entered, unlike Google Maps. Its visual indicators still are kind of hard to follow sometimes.

Garmin isn't perfect, in fact the devices seem to have noticeably less POIs, sometimes I can't find addresses either, and it's sometimes like a plaza off in its locations. But for highway driving and exits etc it's by far the most clear - the line showing the lane you should be in, the exit "picture views"... I also like the somewhat accurate "90 degree turn vs bear in a direction etc" display. That it works if I don't have cell service is also quite nice.
If I was traveling via automobile a lot, I would invest in a new Garmin portable GPS device with a large screen
They still have the best driving instructions and the best and most up to date maps (IMHO)
For as much traveling as I do, Apple maps has been sufficient.
I haven't ventured into an unfamiliar major metropolitan area lately
If I did, I would be studying analog data to get familiar with the lay of the town before relying on any navigational app
Have a feel for where I am going to be intersecting and merging with major freeways
 

Glynda

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We arrived on the Cape this evening after two full days of driving using Google Maps. Like others, I had a bad perception of Apple Maps. Google Maps did well this trip. But after reading here, I think we'll try Apple Maps on our return to SC.
 

Ken555

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If I was traveling via automobile a lot, I would invest in a new Garmin portable GPS device with a large screen
They still have the best driving instructions and the best and most up to date maps (IMHO)

Do you have any supporting links for this opinion?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 

Ken555

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For those who prefer Garmin etc, you may be interested in the TomTom app. I used this many years ago and it worked great.



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emeryjre

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Do you have any supporting links for this opinion?


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No links
I have no experience with Tom Tom
It is why is used (IMHO)
In My Humble Opinion
Just an opinion
But I stand by what I would buy based on my experience
 

Ken555

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No links
I have no experience with Tom Tom
It is why is used (IMHO)
In My Humble Opinion
Just an opinion
But I stand by what I would buy based on my experience

I was primarily questioning this comment of yours:

the best and most up to date maps
 

emeryjre

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I was primarily questioning this comment of yours:
Back in 2012, I found information that said Garmin maps were updated and most frequently checked for errors
In 2024 I can not find any information on how frequently updates on GPS map databases are done
Things change with time
So my statement on best and up to date maps is still (IMHO)
No current data to back it up

Update to above
Here is a link from someone about Apple Maps
What I found interesting is how to use the app in area of no connectivity to cellular or wifi

 
Last edited:

buzglyd

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Google maps has the ability to download for offline use. Finally Apple has this capability
 

Ken555

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Back in 2012, I found information that said Garmin maps were updated and most frequently checked for errors
In 2024 I can not find any information on how frequently updates on GPS map databases are done
Things change with time
So my statement on best and up to date maps is still (IMHO)
No current data to back it up

Update to above
Here is a link from someone about Apple Maps
What I found interesting is how to use the app in area of no connectivity to cellular or wifi


2012 was 12 years ago! That’s a lifetime in tech. That link is interesting, especially this part:

While Apple primarily relies on data from leading provider TomTom, it has also incorporated OpenStreetMap data into its mapping applications in certain regions. OpenStreetMap’s crowd-sourced and highly detailed map data has proven valuable in areas where commercial data providers may have limited coverage.

This reinforces my opinion that TomTom is one of the best options out there, if you don’t want to use one of the free services.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 

emeryjre

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2012 was 12 years ago! That’s a lifetime in tech. That link is interesting, especially this part:



This reinforces my opinion that TomTom is one of the best options out there, if you don’t want to use one of the free services.


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No reminders please
This whole part of the thread has played with my self concept of how old I am
It hit me when I doing the post that I had not done any further research in GPS maps since then
 

jp10558

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Garmin's maps have certainly gone downhill IMHO since 2012. IDK about tom tom, never had a reason to use them. I have the free Organic Maps which I thought used open street maps, and is offline capable, but search is horrible, and navigation isn't great either. The UI also is a mixed bag. TBH, I find Google Maps is the best for search and finding an actual location by name, but I prefer Waze or Garmin for routing display and information. I too often find any of them making what seems like elementary routing errors lately. I was just coming back from Massanutten, and Garmin for some reason wanted me to get off 81N to take what I assume is a very convoluted way through state college to Waverly vs spending 1 minute more staying on the interstate the whole way. This to a human is obviously stupid. I have had both try and take me to closed off roadways at Massanutten when heading out vs taking the main road to main road. And my last trip in Florida and Hilton Head the Garmin kept telling me locations were like one plaza over from where they actually were. I think I just used Waze in VA cause I didn't trust the last mile part of garmin after those 2 weeks.

So, FWIW, I went from having 2 options, one as a backup to needing to use two or more options for different parts of the trip. Some of this is exacerbated by me slowly learning a new car and Android Auto. A few days ago Waze just got in a spinning circle of death. After that it just refused to let me do anything but pick from a recent location - to go somewhere new I finally had to pick an old location, x out of it and then I could search. (this is all through Android Auto). Today I had to reboot my phone to get Waze to display any online maps. IDK when it downloaded offline maps, I wasn't told it was doing that, but I needed the traffic data to avoid a blockage on 81. So... IDK if it's me, my Oneplus phone, Android Auto, or Honda, but it's certainly a mixed bag.

The other thing I really hate, and reason I still have a separate garmin is when I'm driving a long trip, my passengers like to work, sleep, crochet, or look at their phones - but not always interact with me. To stay awake and alert, I find it very helpful to listen to a podcast. But I don't want to blast it over the car speakers disturbing my passengers. With bluetooth on my old Subaru, I could just change the in use audio device to a single ear bluetooth earpiece. Android auto makes it quite the struggle. In fact, I have to fight to disconnect it from the car, so lose all the Waze mapping etc. Sometimes I have to unplug my phone from the USB cable, sometimes I have to go to Android Auto notification and say disconnect. Why it randomly chooses between the two is a mystery to me. Honestly I don't understand why I can't send Android Auto maps to the car and audio to my bluetooth headset. It's annoying, the phone knows the headset is connected because that will cause it to start playing music over the car speakers. It is quite bizarre. But maybe I'm the only one who wants this sort of setup.
 
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