Is Google Maps getting worse?

hperrin@lemmy.world to Asklemmy@lemmy.ml – 271 points –

My dad uses Google Maps, and he mentioned that it seems to be getting worse. Like, giving him directions that are obviously worse than alternatives. Has anyone else here experienced this?

151

You are viewing a single comment

I'd like to recommend 'Magic Earth' to everyone, who wants a privacy respecting Maps alternative with trafic data. I used it on several >500km trips and it only misguided me once. It uses OSM maps and can navigate offline.

The only real issue with OpenStreetMaps is that the quality varies significantly town-to-town depending on how much love it's had by local, knowledgable contributors. Road directions are one of the more complex things to configure in OSM, especially with complex multi-lane junctions, and so densely-populated areas and major roads are likely to be quite good, whereas more rural areas can be hit-and-miss.

Does it give you multiple options for a route? Like fastest/using least petrol/no tolls, etc?

I am currently using Google maps and waze most of the time and tried Organic maps for a while for a more privacy focused option, but it only gives you one option, no alternatives of similar length/time.

Edit: nevermind, just downloaded it and it does offer alternatives. Looking good as well, will definitely test it, thank you!

You don't realize a 500km route you take once is shit. It's when the software sends you on a shit route across town every single day when you measure quality.

I've driven the same general route a few times and even then, it has been quite reliable. As mentioned, it can depend on the cities and stuff, so you're best trying it out for yourself :)