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Google Maps and Waze

googleblog.blogspot.com

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Re: Google Maps and Waze

#2

Post by kailuowang »

At least from this announcement, it's not merely a defensive acquisition. Google is looking forward to integrate the user-based realtime traffic system from Waze into Google Map. I am a little surprised that whatever Waze provides now wasn't a complete overlap with what Google Map is also offering in its trafic related functionalities.

Re: Google Maps and Waze

#3

Post by lawdawg »

Great news for both Google Maps and Waze. From my understanding, Waze negotiated a 3 year period where they would be allowed to continue independently, but I imagine there will be quite a bit of data sharing between the two (Waze can now use Google's maps and POI data, and Google can use Waze's data to improve its realtime directions)

Re: Google Maps and Waze

#4

Post by dabeeeenster »

kailuowang wrote: post #2

At least from this announcement, it's not merely a defensive acquisition. Google is looking forward to integrate the user-based realtime traffic system from Waze into Google Map. I am a little surprised that whatever Waze provides now wasn't a complete overlap with what Google Map is also offering in its trafic related functionalities.

I was under the impression that Google Maps already used crowdsourced data for its traffic?

I use it in the UK and it's incredibly accurate - scarily so!

Re: Google Maps and Waze

#5

Post by masonhensley »

Doesn't Google already incorporate user's data for traffic information[1]? I try to have my maps/ navigation running during my commute home to feed that data.

The Google Now traffic feature saves me at least an hour a week on the return leg of my commute (14 miles.) I'm glad they are trying to make it more accurate.

[1](2009) http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/08/bright-side-of-sittin...

Re: Google Maps and Waze

#7

Post by clone1018 »

masonhensley wrote: post #5

Doesn't Google already incorporate user's data for traffic information[1]? I try to have my maps/ navigation running during my commute home to feed that data. The Google Now traffic feature saves me at least an hour a week on the return leg of my commute (14 miles.) I'm glad they are trying to make it more accurate. [1](2009) http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/08/bright-side-of-sittin...

This will allow more specific user information, like which lane is blocked up or " eople can report accidents, traffic jams, speed traps, police and can update roads, landmarks, house numbers, etc."

From the Waze wikipedia page.

Re: Google Maps and Waze

#9

Post by masonhensley »

clone1018 wrote: post #7
masonhensley wrote: post #5

Doesn't Google already incorporate user's data for traffic information[1]? I try to have my maps/ navigation running during my commute home to feed that data. The Google Now traffic feature saves me at least an hour a week on the return leg of my commute (14 miles.) I'm glad they are trying to make it more accurate. [1](2009) http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/08/bright-side-of-sittin...

This will allow more specific user information, like which lane is blocked up or " eople can report accidents, traffic jams, speed traps, police and can update roads, landmarks, house numbers, etc." From the Waze wikipedia page.

Thanks for the clarification.

But now that I think about it, when I'm walking out of the office, I want to know whether I should take "Route A", "Route B" or "Route C" to get home.

What causes the traffic whether it is construction, an accident or plain old traffic doesn't matter to me. I wish Google Now (GN) would tell me that instead of me having to double check by clicking the alternate routes button in navigation. Sometimes GN does not suggest the quickest route for me even though a $1.33 toll road may save me 20 minutes.

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