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One of the most impactful and infuriating algorithms in our lives is the routing algorithm on Google Maps. With 80% market share, it offers us very little control over our routes. If we want better, we will need to support competition like OpenStreetMaps. My latest for NYT Opinion (gift link): 16 comments
 @EricCarroll OSM is the backend of almost every map app other than Google - including Apple. But there hasn't been as much competition as I would like on routing/navigation. Valhalla makes interesting customizable navigation services on top of OSM, but it's not designed for consumers. @EricCarroll @Julia there are a few, but as Julia mentioned, most navigation apps aren't very geared towards end consumers but there is 'osmand' and 'organic maps' for Android (coverage, accuracy will vary greatly depending how well and complete (many places are missing local businesses, addresses, places of interest, etc) your area is 'mapped' in OpenStreetMap. StreetComplete is a great and convenient way to help to make the information more accurate. Used it heavily during my last holiday. And profited from the fact that OSMand and OrganicMaps can also be used where there is no internet connection. @ilumium @EricCarroll Something else, I’m organising a #walk with a friend through the #neighbourhood I used to live. So I printed a #custom map from @organicmaps because #Google could not make head nor tails from what I wanted. @heesdaman It looks like this was printed from OpenStreetMap rather thank Organic Maps? Although it would probably be an interesting feature for @organicmaps to add.. 🙂 @EricCarroll @Julia I think Magic Earth is the best one for driving and cycling. There are multiple other ones with more features for exploring places, but they don’t let you focus on driving as easily. @Julia Waze is actually an open-source app that thosands of volunteers, like myself, have invested millions of hours into improving. I used to be the (volunteer) state manager for Maine, and I responded to feedback from local communities to avoid the sort of issues your NYT piece describes, such as routing needlessly through residential areas. If someone isn’t getting the routing they expect from Waze, hop in and work with the other volunteers to fix it.   @Julia I remember Maps.Me was on the was to rival Google Maps (of course given Google's app is preinstalled, it would be still like 10%). At the peak it got like 10 mln monthly active users. Alas first it's owner mail.ru pushed for profitability, and then it sold the app to a korean crypto bank, sacking the team. @organicmaps is the exact same app with some of the original developers, but without marketing funds. @zverik @Julia @organicmaps organic maps is open-source. If the developers want they can ask the community to take it forward! |
Gregory's Server
@Julia
As someone who now spends a lot of time in rural areas I can tell you Google is terrible for directions.
An opportunity for alternatives?