Redefining what a map can be with new information and AI

    Soon, Google Maps will default to the route with the lowest carbon footprint when it has approximately the same ETA as the fastest route. In cases where the eco-friendly route could significantly increase your ETA, we’ll let you compare the relative CO2 impact between routes so you can choose. Always want the fastest route? That’s OK too — simply adjust your preferences in Settings.

Re: Redefining what a map can be with new information and AI

#5

Post by tehjoker » Wed, Mar 31, 2021, 11:39 PM UTC

Google greenwashing what is clearly a demonstration of its power to redirect flows of people at a whim. I wonder what other purposes such redirections could be used for?

Re: Redefining what a map can be with new information and AI

#6

Post by toomuchtodo » Wed, Mar 31, 2021, 11:39 PM UTC

Forge36 wrote: post #2

Wonder what it would take to get my company to go green in this way.

Having worked with a client on this to dabble in the sustainability space, quantifying to them the economic cost savings and potential PR boost. Worked with their facilities, marketing, purchasing, and HR teams. Identify and prioritize changes possible that provide the largest impact (can employees work from home avoiding a commute? can a renewable power purchase agreement be negotiated? what does the supply chain look like and is there any leverage to encourage suppliers to use renewables and sustainable practices?).

I recommend "Small Actions, Big Difference: Leveraging Corporate Sustainability to Drive Business and Societal Value" [1] on the topic to get started.

[1] https://smile.amazon.com/Small-Actions-Big-Difference-Bhatta...

Re: Redefining what a map can be with new information and AI

#7

Post by gtirloni » Wed, Mar 31, 2021, 11:42 PM UTC

tehjoker wrote: post #5

Google greenwashing what is clearly a demonstration of its power to redirect flows of people at a whim. I wonder what other purposes such redirections could be used for?

It puzzles me how HN is so cynic about anything that comes from Google.

Re: Redefining what a map can be with new information and AI

#8

Post by xwdv » Wed, Mar 31, 2021, 11:46 PM UTC

tehjoker wrote: post #5

Google greenwashing what is clearly a demonstration of its power to redirect flows of people at a whim. I wonder what other purposes such redirections could be used for?

Redirect people toward the eco-friendliest products, show eco-friendly advertising, favor eco-friendly UI design, etc

Re: Redefining what a map can be with new information and AI

#9

Post by AussieWog93 » Wed, Mar 31, 2021, 11:46 PM UTC

smabie wrote: post #3

So it'll only show walking directions?

I get that you're being flippant, but I did have a coworker who calculated the carbon footprint of his commute for various modes of transport, including walking. He came to the conclusion that, given the average amount of CO2 produced per calorie consumed, riding an e-bike was actually the lowest-impact way.

Re: Redefining what a map can be with new information and AI

#10

Post by SXX » Wed, Mar 31, 2021, 11:46 PM UTC

tehjoker wrote: post #5

Google greenwashing what is clearly a demonstration of its power to redirect flows of people at a whim. I wonder what other purposes such redirections could be used for?

Other purposes? It's easy! You can make people avoid businesses that didn't paid to you and make them drive close to fastfood that wanted advertising. Or you can drive people around some political protests...