81–90 of 113 posts
Earlier quoted context omitted.
If they built the same kind of tools as what GT uses, maybe they could make better use of the thousand of volunteers?
Or... Google could open source their software, leverage the thousands of volunteers and let a giant leap be made by both, their own projects and OSM-related ones.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
After seeing tons of videos detailing the tools Google uses for their maps and using Google Map Maker, the OSM tools are much better at empowering the mapper to create map data. OSM might not have the computer vision tools or the Street View imagery, but there's still plenty of work to do with the existing tools and data.
I'd anticipate that OSM will get machine vision in the future. Consider that that a typical phone/tablet now has a GPS, camera and decent computing resources. It's begging for a machine vision application, which records video and automatically extracts mapping information, ready for uploading to OSM. Begging to the point, where I think it's just a matter of time. As an aside, are there any efforts afoot to decentrali…
Earlier quoted context omitted.
Yep. You don't like my opinion so clearly I must be working for Apple or own stock. In fact it is neither. And at no point did I say that OSM wasn't responsible for the map data. Only that Apple added other pieces from other companies.
No, no, no. No problem with your opinion. You can love Apple if you want. I just struggle to understand how you and others can see Apple in the light that you do, and be blinded to all else. I mean, the value to me is the data and the fact it's online. The database itself. I have my own systems for manipulating the data the way I want it (I would think most HN nerds would have similar skills, but maybe not). That's j…
Earlier quoted context omitted.
Apple has not "nearly matched" google, not at all. Maybe in the US they have, but in New Zealand, where google is as good as any of the local street maps/directories, if not better normally, the new ios maps is atrocious. The places are now even worse too, because they're relying on Yelp, who don't have a presence here at all.
Actually Google should be the same as local street directories since that is where they get there data from. I live in Australia (hi, neighbour) and it is Sensis (Yellow/White Pages) who supply data to Google. As for quality of maps it is about 80% as good as Google and has been getting noticeably better over time.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
This is just a silly sentiment. The iPhone maps app may not be perfect but having no clue why it was created makes it sound like you are dumb or just being difficult.
A mapping service with directions on a device that is supposed to be with you all the time is supposed to be mostly handy for driving purposes (at least from my perspective). That's a fundamental requirement. Lack of voice turn-by-turn makes it incomplete, not "may not be perfect". I questioned why it was neutered the way it is now - not why it was created. I buy Apple products for wholesome user experience and the G…
Driving is not the only mode of transport. And SatNav is not the only type of useful map.
Paper maps are useful - an equivalent to a paper map that holds data for the entire world, can put a pin in my exact global location, and can tell me where the nearest Starbucks is? Yeah, I can't see any use for that at all.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
Apple has not "nearly matched" google, not at all. Maybe in the US they have, but in New Zealand, where google is as good as any of the local street maps/directories, if not better normally, the new ios maps is atrocious. The places are now even worse too, because they're relying on Yelp, who don't have a presence here at all.
Actually Google should be the same as local street directories since that is where they get there data from. I live in Australia (hi, neighbour) and it is Sensis (Yellow/White Pages) who supply data to Google. As for quality of maps it is about 80% as good as Google and has been getting noticeably better over time.
A lot of people under estimate the investment Google has made in their maps product. That we've got two companies doing that (Apple and Google) is a bit mind boggling.
A lot of people under estimate the investment Google has made in their maps product. That we've got two companies doing that (Apple and Google) is a bit mind boggling.
It is funny how much effort google is putting into their maps and yet their interface to the maps (maps.google.com) could still use basic improvements like how 99 out of 100 times I want directions it is to or from my house and yet I have to type in almost my entire address before it appears in the drop down. Considering I am logged into google, have confirmed my address and type in the same address over and over you…
Earlier quoted context omitted.
It is funny how much effort google is putting into their maps and yet their interface to the maps (maps.google.com) could still use basic improvements like how 99 out of 100 times I want directions it is to or from my house and yet I have to type in almost my entire address before it appears in the drop down. Considering I am logged into google, have confirmed my address and type in the same address over and over you…
I just do it by entering the name of my town rather than my full address, on the basis that I already know how to get out of my own town, and only really need detailed directions once I get to the other end of the journey.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
I just do it by entering the name of my town rather than my full address, on the basis that I already know how to get out of my own town, and only really need detailed directions once I get to the other end of the journey.
The trouble with that is if like me you live on the edge of a city, the route you end up taking out of the city is very, very different than if you start in the centre where google will place you, and the time estimate etc. can vary by as much as 30 minutes.
I get your point - if you live in North London, then getting directions from "London" is probably not the way to go. Postcodes seem to be the quickest way, for me.