Maps vs. Google Maps vs. Nokia's Maps [Archive]

vmachiel

Jun 21, 2012, 10:01 AM

1. Google Map
2. Maps
3. Nokia's Map.

I rated Maps second cause I like the Siri integration with Maps.
I used it one day, and I assigned Siri to direct me to a location.
Siri even directed me in the background. The top section of the iPad would have little cute road signboards while my partner was using it to surf.

But Maps has a lot of erroneous data. Not as reliable as Google Map. But I can see the potential there.

Yeah, i still have a lot to do to make this beta final. Hope they provide better turn-by-turn for walking.

newagemac

Jun 21, 2012, 11:50 AM

Correct me if I'm wrong but we haven't actually seen Apple's maps nor Nokia's maps for Windows 8 yet now have we? Your comparison is quite a few months too early.

The Phazer

Jun 21, 2012, 11:52 AM

Google
Nokia
Apple

retrospek

Jun 21, 2012, 12:24 PM

1 - Google
2 - Nokia
3 - Apple

dietcokemac

Jun 21, 2012, 01:19 PM

Definitely Google then Nokia, then Apple... but at least Apple is starting out in it, hopefully they bring some really interesting options really soon.

iPhoneApple

Jun 21, 2012, 01:26 PM

Google
Nokia
Apple

Apple needs to improve their maps before they are top. They also need to use more of C3's maps; the ones they are using are really out of date

realeric

Jun 21, 2012, 04:56 PM

There are many map data companies in the world but the big three is

NAVTEQ owned by Nokia
TeleAtlas owned by TomTom
Google owned by Google

Nokia uses NVATEQ, MS's Bing uses NAVTEQ, Garmin uses NAVTEQ, Goolge uses Google, TomTom uses TeleAtlas, Apple uses TeleAtlas. All purchases satellite imagery from 3rd party companies including DigitalGlobe.

For navigation, ("..." : localized map data companies in small countries) :D

1 - Nokia(NAVTEQ, ...)
2 - Apple(TeleAtlas, ...)
3 - Google(Google, ...)

For user experience

1 - Google(Google, ...) - Street View, Traffic Information
2 - Apple(TeleAtlas, ...) - Siri, Simple design, Seamless rotation, 3D
3 - Nokia(Google, ...) - Nice design

vmachiel

Jun 22, 2012, 05:07 AM

Correct me if I'm wrong but we haven't actually seen Apple's maps nor Nokia's maps for Windows 8 yet now have we? Your comparison is quite a few months too early.

Yeah, the comparison may be a bit unfair but base it on expectations, beta's, confirmed features, things that where demo'd etc.

dw3bb10

Jun 22, 2012, 07:14 AM

I dont think anyone will beat Google when it comes to maps. Not even Apple.

MozMan68

Jun 22, 2012, 08:06 AM

Lamest thread ever....can we now compare the travel experience to the moon between Virgin, United and Cathay Pacific?

sakau2007

Jun 22, 2012, 08:10 AM

Lamest thread ever....can we now compare the travel experience to the moon between Virgin, United and Cathay Pacific?

um, what are you talking about?

is it the lamest thread ever just because Apple clearly isn't the winner?

MozMan68

Jun 22, 2012, 08:18 AM

um, what are you talking about?

is it the lamest thread ever just because Apple clearly isn't the winner?

Ummm..what are YOU talking about?

As stated earlier, only one of the map experiences is actually out there in a completed form. How can you compare it to those that won't be released for probably 4 months?

So I should just declare that the iPad 4 is better than the Windows Surface and "insert Android tablet here" right now?

sakau2007

Jun 22, 2012, 08:21 AM

Ummm..what are YOU talking about?

As stated earlier, only one of the map experiences is actually out there in a completed form. How can you compare it to those that won't be released for probably 4 months?

So I should just declare that the iPad 4 is better than the Windows Surface and "insert Android tablet here" right now?

so how long am i supposed to wait before i start comparing them? the fact is, apple maps DOES exist. it's just way behind google maps.

furthermore, google maps is not "complete". it is constantly evolving.

you realize siri has been in beta forever too, right?

sk1wbw

Jun 22, 2012, 08:36 AM

basesloaded190

Jun 22, 2012, 08:42 AM

What in God's Holy Name is the deal with maps these days? Is it just another way to brag about your choice of hardware? Really? I've said it a thousand times. If you ****ing don't know where you're going in the place you live or the town you live in, get a real GPS that uses actual satellite GPS location services or do it the old fashioned way. Look at a freakin map and remember where you're going. This has done me fine for 30 years.

Stop it with the ****ing maps already.

Bad day?

I can't tell you how many times google maps has helped me out in the city I live, a new city, or anything else. So just because you would rather look like a tool and carry around a state map at all times, the rest of us would like to use them on our phones if we can.

Rodimus Prime

Jun 22, 2012, 08:47 AM

Correct me if I'm wrong but we haven't actually seen Apple's maps nor Nokia's maps for Windows 8 yet now have we? Your comparison is quite a few months too early.
We have seen Apple maps. It more or less pretty damn close to what it is going to be like in the final release. Do not expect anything but minor bug fixes from this point forward to iOS 6 release. It is fair game to compare it to Google.

Nokia we have not fully seen it yet. They do have other mapping and navigation in use right now se we can kind of tell what it is going to be like and know what to expect

cristy.matt

Jun 22, 2012, 09:02 AM

Hello friends this this is really awesome. I herd that iPhone 5 is getting the iOS 6...

newagemac

Jun 22, 2012, 09:10 AM

We have seen Apple maps. It more or less pretty damn close to what it is going to be like in the final release. Do not expect anything but minor bug fixes from this point forward to iOS 6 release. (...snip)

Thank you Tim Cook for coming to MacRumors to provide us with your plans for the Maps application in the final release. I really appreciate it.

/s

Rodimus Prime

Jun 22, 2012, 09:29 AM

Thank you Tim Cook for coming to MacRumors to provide us with your plans for the Maps application in the final release. I really appreciate it.

/s
What I think is funny is people really expect a major change from the iOS 6 map app. You have to look no farther back than the other iOS. Anything that is from the release WWDC it only gets minor bug fixes.
The only thing we do not know is things more or less are going to be in the iPhone 5 only. Things do not change much.
We have seen what the map app will be like do not expect changes.

danahn17

Jun 22, 2012, 09:35 AM

What in God's Holy Name is the deal with maps these days? Is it just another way to brag about your choice of hardware? Really? I've said it a thousand times. If you ****ing don't know where you're going in the place you live or the town you live in, get a real GPS that uses actual satellite GPS location services or do it the old fashioned way. Look at a freakin map and remember where you're going. This has done me fine for 30 years.

Stop it with the ****ing maps already.

Errr.... I had a real standalone GPS unit but when I picked up my Android phone with turn-by-turn navigation, it was good enough that I got rid of the standalone GPS unit. And I don't really use it where I live; I use it when I'm going somewhere unfamiliar. :rolleyes:

But anyways, I laughed at when I saw the majority of comments that received a downvote were the ones that ranked Apple last. A bit insecure are we?

newagemac

Jun 22, 2012, 09:42 AM

What I think is funny is people really expect a major change from the iOS 6 map app. You have to look no farther back than the other iOS. Anything that is from the release WWDC it only gets minor bug fixes.
The only thing we do not know is things more or less are going to be in the iPhone 5 only. Things do not change much.
We have seen what the map app will be like do not expect changes.

No, what's funny is that the release notes for the Beta 1 specifically instructs developers that all of the mapping data is not in this particular Beta. If you had any clue at all, you would know that Apple does this quite often in early Betas. Even when they add something in Beta 2 for example, they often remove it again in another Beta and add it back in another later one. It's not until the GM that everything is usually all there at once.

But since apparently you're Tim Cook I guess you know things will be different this time and the release notes weren't real... there were just mistakenly slipped in by some intern or something. :rolleyes:

Radio

Jun 22, 2012, 09:44 AM

ct2k7

Jun 22, 2012, 09:51 AM

No, what's funny is that the release notes for the Beta 1 specifically instructs developers that all of the mapping data is not in this particular Beta. If you had any clue at all, you would know that Apple does this quite often in early Betas. Even when they add something in Beta 2 for example, they often remove it again in another Beta and add it back in another later one. It's not until the GM that everything is usually all there at once.

But since apparently you're Tim Cook I guess you know things will be different this time and the release notes weren't real... there were just mistakenly slipped in by some intern or something. :rolleyes:

It says "Map data will continue to evolve—only a limited amount of high resolution satellite imagery is currently available.". Mapping data is complete, bar the imagery.

sk1wbw

Jun 22, 2012, 10:16 AM

wow - hater

maps are an amazing tool.

so youre old school. hope u aren't an iphone user :p

use your home phone! better yet write letters!!!!

I've been an iPhone user since the 3G. I've also had GPS a few years before that. Plus I know how to read an actual map. Maybe just the young people don't know what a real map is.

Frankied22

Jun 22, 2012, 10:27 AM

I've been an iPhone user since the 3G. I've also had GPS a few years before that. Plus I know how to read an actual map. Maybe just the young people don't know what a real map is.

I know how to write a letter and mail it to someone. What's the point of email and texting? I can just use a rotary phone to call whoever I need to. Why have a cell phone. If I need to find businesses I can just use yellow pages. Why search google?

Technology just makes tasks and access to information quicker and better. Maps and navigation is important. Don't half ass it and give us a downgrade from google maps.

MonkeySee....

Jun 22, 2012, 10:31 AM

So, in a few weeks time we saw google's new maps, Apple's new maps and Nokia's maps for windows phone 8. What do you guy thinks so far? Which one is the best? Obviously, they're not all done yet but which one do the like?

Marty McFly?

sk1wbw

Jun 22, 2012, 10:32 AM

I know how to write a letter and mail it to someone. What's the point of email and texting? I can just use a rotary phone to call whoever I need to. Why have a cell phone. If I need to find businesses I can just use yellow pages. Why search google?

Technology just makes tasks and access to information quicker and better. Maps and navigation is important. Don't half ass it and give us a downgrade from google maps.

You're missing my point. People are bragging about Maps applications on cell phones. My point is, stop bragging about whose maps app is better. Who gives a ****. If you have to have a maps app every time you get in a car, then you are totally lost.

Radio

Jun 22, 2012, 02:07 PM

What in God's Holy Name is the deal with maps these days? Is it just another way to brag about your choice of hardware? Really? I've said it a thousand times. If you ****ing don't know where you're going in the place you live or the town you live in, get a real GPS that uses actual satellite GPS location services or do it the old fashioned way. Look at a freakin map and remember where you're going. This has done me fine for 30 years.

Stop it with the ****ing maps already.

I've been an iPhone user since the 3G. I've also had GPS a few years before that. Plus I know how to read an actual map. Maybe just the young people don't know what a real map is.

it's about convenience.

unfortunately we will be getting a HUGE downgrade with i0s6 with maps

virginblue4

Jun 22, 2012, 02:09 PM

unfortunately we will be getting a HUGE downgrade with i0s6 with maps

In your opinion.

VPrime

Jun 22, 2012, 02:11 PM

You're missing my point. People are bragging about Maps applications on cell phones. My point is, stop bragging about whose maps app is better. Who gives a ****. If you have to have a maps app every time you get in a car, then you are totally lost.

Making comparisons is not bragging.
It is trying to find the best tool for the job..... Sure there are some psychos who brag about nonsense like maps, but I don't think that was the intention of this thread and even happening yet.

sk1wbw

Jun 22, 2012, 03:12 PM

Making comparisons is not bragging.
It is trying to find the best tool for the job..... Sure there are some psychos who brag about nonsense like maps, but I don't think that was the intention of this thread and even happening yet.

Give it another page or so, you'll see.

bozzykid

Jun 22, 2012, 11:59 PM

You're missing my point. People are bragging about Maps applications on cell phones. My point is, stop bragging about whose maps app is better. Who gives a ****. If you have to have a maps app every time you get in a car, then you are totally lost.

Maps is more than just an app to find a location. It is a place to discover places, read reviews, etc. Maybe because the current Maps app on iOS is so limited that people only use it to find places. But if you have used Google Maps on Android, then you would know that its more than just looking up numbers and addresses. How well the app does all of these things is very important to a lot of people who rely on these apps.

sk1wbw

Jun 23, 2012, 08:21 AM

Maps is more than just an app to find a location. It is a place to discover places, read reviews, etc. Maybe because the current Maps app on iOS is so limited that people only use it to find places. But if you have used Google Maps on Android, then you would know that its more than just looking up numbers and addresses. How well the app does all of these things is very important to a lot of people who rely on these apps.

So you can't use any other app or any other resource to find places and discover places?

Holy crap, what was I doing before the age of smart phone map app?

ajvizzgamer101

Jun 24, 2012, 08:34 AM

1. Google
2. Apple
3. Nokia

Apple is my overall favorite but it doesn't feel completed yet. Google had time to perfect their maps. Nokia is a solid map app if you have a Windows Phone.

shandyman

Jun 24, 2012, 10:10 AM

It says "Map data will continue to evolve—only a limited amount of high resolution satellite imagery is currently available.". Mapping data is complete, bar the imagery.

How does "Map data will continue to evolve" equal "Mapping data is complete" you contradicted yourself there in your own quote.... all we know has complete data, but not necessarily the same data that's in the final version. we know that there's only 4 cities or so in 3D in the beta, but C3 mapped around 100 as of Jan 2011, so apple have that data to enabled, note that this is not satellite imagery, but map data....

ct2k7

Jun 24, 2012, 11:07 AM

How does "Map data will continue to evolve" equal "Mapping data is complete" you contradicted yourself there in your own quote.... all we know has complete data, but not necessarily the same data that's in the final version. we know that there's only 4 cities or so in 3D in the beta, but C3 mapped around 100 as of Jan 2011, so apple have that data to enabled, note that this is not satellite imagery, but map data....

I signify mapping data as actual mapping data and not the imagery and other things such as. It appears to be as complete as it can be right now.

I also pushed an update to correct something near me not that long ago. It showed up in Maps recently. This tells me that they're not working on test data.

CallOfDuty

Jun 24, 2012, 11:20 AM

It would be totally a HUGE DOWNGRADE for iPhone 4/3GS users (No turn by turn? No 3D flyover?). Perhaps no, for 4S users.
At least on Google Maps on iOS 5 on my iPhone 4 I can still get street view.

I don't see the point in this argument. If you're not happy with any of these 3 maps, you are welcome to go to the app store and download alternatives. Apple just can't provide map solutions that satisfy everyone else. I have heard that Google Maps is coming to the app store and I myself would be the first to download it.

I myself is a proud owner of an iPhone 4, disappointed with the maps feature coming to iOS 6 for my 4, but I don't really care. Like what sk1wbw said, if you need a maps solution every time you get in a car, you are totally lost and shouldn't even have got the license. I myself could navigate around the city with ease. A bit of difficulty in other cities but I could handle it good.

Nokia maps should be set as the standard. Google maps is the best (3D flyover is not PRACTICAL for daily usage.) Nokia maps has all the basic features a map application should have. It has simple turn by turn navigations that is easy to use and understand.

While Apple's own map solution is still in beta, seems like I've heard from many users that sometimes the maps is totally unusable. However, I strongly believe things will change.

I personally welcome any feedback about my comment, but I urge everyone else in this forum to be respectful to one another, please?

shandyman

Jun 24, 2012, 11:33 AM

I signify mapping data as actual mapping data and not the imagery and other things such as. It appears to be as complete as it can be right now.

Yea, YOU do, I don't. Neither of us know what apple classes as mapping data. For example, The 3D is mapping data as they have to construct the buildings, rather than simple imagery.

ct2k7

Jun 24, 2012, 11:38 AM

Yea, YOU do, I don't. Neither of us know what apple classes as mapping data. For example, The 3D is mapping data as they have to construct the buildings, rather than simple imagery.

I think we both know what the primary usage factor of maps is - and it's not satellite imagery. Imagery is just a primitive layer.

shandyman

Jun 24, 2012, 11:55 AM

I think we both know what the primary usage factor of maps is - and it's not satellite imagery. Imagery is just a primitive layer.

Well done on missing my point.

ct2k7

Jun 24, 2012, 12:02 PM

Well done on missing my point.

I get your point in that Mapping data is a vague term, and could include imagery. To an extent, I agree that it does, but that isn't the problem with Maps as of right now, that's just a problem but not the main one.

shandyman

Jun 24, 2012, 12:36 PM

I get your point in that Mapping data is a vague term, and could include imagery. To an extent, I agree that it does, but that isn't the problem with Maps as of right now, that's just a problem but not the main one.

You only got half of my point. My point is map data can/will change by launch, I still reckon they are using test mapping data rather than final launch data. I highly doubt wrongly labelled oceans will be in the official launch for starters.

They said themselves that the map data is not complete...

The 3D stuff is also map data, not imagery and we know there's around 100 cities they have ready and have held back for whatever reason.

Caromsoft

Jun 24, 2012, 12:54 PM

If you have to have a maps app every time you get in a car, then you are totally lost.I use Google Navigation in my car for all driving except local, and 99% of the time I know where I'm going. Why? Because Google Navigation has spot on traffic information, and when I'm driving 70 miles across Los Angeles on a Friday afternoon I want to know EXACTLY what is happening on the freeways. I have had Google Navigation save me over an hour one way because it was able to route me around problems. Sure, I could pull out a map, and I do know how to read one, but I'm not sure it would help.

mrxak

Jun 24, 2012, 01:23 PM

sk1wbw

Jun 24, 2012, 05:38 PM

I use Google Navigation in my car for all driving except local, and 99% of the time I know where I'm going. Why? Because Google Navigation has spot on traffic information, and when I'm driving 70 miles across Los Angeles on a Friday afternoon I want to know EXACTLY what is happening on the freeways. I have had Google Navigation save me over an hour one way because it was able to route me around problems. Sure, I could pull out a map, and I do know how to read one, but I'm not sure it would help.

They don't have traffic radio stations in LA?

unobtainium

Jun 24, 2012, 05:49 PM

What in God's Holy Name is the deal with maps these days? Is it just another way to brag about your choice of hardware? Really? I've said it a thousand times. If you ****ing don't know where you're going in the place you live or the town you live in, get a real GPS that uses actual satellite GPS location services or do it the old fashioned way. Look at a freakin map and remember where you're going. This has done me fine for 30 years.

Stop it with the ****ing maps already.

Why would I want to carry a bulky, annoying map with me. And you clearly don't live in a big city if you always know where every address is and how to go there quickest. You also apparently don't travel.

----------

They don't have traffic radio stations in LA?

Why would you want to listen to an annoying stream of irrelevant traffic info from the radio when you can just get the exact relevant results you need while listening to whatever music you choose?

sk1wbw

Jun 24, 2012, 06:04 PM

Why would I want to carry a bulky, annoying map with me. And you clearly don't live in a big city if you always know where every address is and how to go there quickest. You also apparently don't travel.

----------

Why would you want to listen to an annoying stream of irrelevant traffic info from the radio when you can just get the exact relevant results you need while listening to whatever music you choose?

Why is it so inconceivable to the people on this forum that sometimes someone doesn't agree with you? I don't use cell phone based maps. Never have. I've said it a billion times already that I have a GPS.

Caromsoft

Jun 24, 2012, 06:17 PM

They don't have traffic radio stations in LA?

They do have traffic reports on local radio stations. They will tell me there is a problem on the 5.

What they won't tell me is if it will be faster for me to take the 210 to the 71 to the 91, or the 210 to the 15 to the 91, or the 10 to the 71 to the 91, or the 10 to the 15 to the 91, or the 60 to the 71 to the 91, or the 60 to the 15 to the 91...

Or the 10 to the 605 to the 91, or the 60 to the 605 to the 91, or the 210 to the 605 to the 10 to the 71 to the 91...and I can go on.

That's what I have to navigate on a regular basis, and anyone who lives in the Los Angeles area will tell you that the traffic alerts on the radio are at best barely useful. You can be sitting in dead stop traffic for 30 minutes and not have a single mention of what the problem is. If I have my navigation on I can see exactly where the problem is and how long it is is likely to last. I can see if it is worth trying an alternate route or waiting.

Navigation is a tool for me, like a hammer or a saw. I use that tool to get me home sooner, so I can spend more time with my family.

MattInOz

Jun 24, 2012, 06:24 PM

Yea, YOU do, I don't. Neither of us know what apple classes as mapping data. For example, The 3D is mapping data as they have to construct the buildings, rather than simple imagery.

This is the point,...
It isn't a single threaded problem.
There is various mapping data, data tagging, data hosting, on device filtering and rendering. who knows how many threads within each of those.

There could be a bottleneck in any of those threads that ends up constraining development of Maps (or already has).

Then again the combined effects of all those threads could amount to a massive improvement, in what we see. What will be interesting is improvement between now and release and the pace of that. It's only then we can make a solid judgement about how serious Apple really is.

Cod3rror

Jun 24, 2012, 06:48 PM

People are ranking iOS 6 Maps below Google Maps, but not really saying why. What, specifically, is wrong with it? I find them to be just as accurate around where I live, the satellite view is more up-to-date than Google's, "scrolling" around the map is very fast, and the turn-by-turn is outstanding. The other features are quite useful as well. Is it the lack of transit data? Still, we're talking maps here, it seems to me either they are accurate or they aren't, a pass/fail proposition. Everything else is just feature set, and aside from transit data, iOS 6 is a clear winner over iOS 5.

So where are these huge inaccuracies? I'm honestly asking, here, since there's none near me. Or, are you judging the Maps app on a different criteria I haven't thought of?

If you've got a 4S, you get a turn-by-turn navigation, however if you've got a 3GS or 4, you lose Google Transit, you lose Google Streetview and gain nothing in return. And even on the 4S, I'd gladly trade the above listed two Google services for the gimmicky 3D that is only available in like 20 cities... and no, Apple is not going to fix that problem in the beta.

I also prefer Google's tiles to Apple ones.

As for the original question, Nokia Maps feels the most like a proper GPS navigation application. You can download any maps you want, cities, countries, regions, etc... and use them offline this is very handy. However Nokia Maps lacks lots of functionality more advanced third party GPS apps like TomTom have, it cannot auto-switch Day/Night mode, it does not show you multiple routes to your destination and other are lots of other things missing too. However it being offline is a HUGE advantage and it's got a pretty decent POI database too.

If I've got Internet on the phone and I want to search for a place or a service, I'd use Google Maps.

unobtainium

Jun 24, 2012, 07:22 PM

Why is it so inconceivable to the people on this forum that sometimes someone doesn't agree with you? I don't use cell phone based maps. Never have. I've said it a billion times already that I have a GPS.

I dunno but you're the one who came into this thread complaining that people were making too big of a deal out of mobile maps. The thing is, most people don't really want to have an extra piece of equipment to worry about. For me, my iPhone has replaced my old cellphone, my iPod, and my camera. I never had a GPS, but if I did it would replace that too. That's part of the convenience of having an iPhone.

MozMan68

Jun 27, 2012, 02:45 PM

Hmmm...Google is moving fast...

http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/27/google-earth-for-android-gets-new-3d-maps-for-some-cities/

URFloorMatt

Jun 27, 2012, 03:00 PM

If you've got a 4S, you get a turn-by-turn navigation, however if you've got a 3GS or 4, you lose Google Transit, you lose Google Streetview and gain nothing in return. And even on the 4S, I'd gladly trade the above listed two Google services for the gimmicky 3D that is only available in like 20 cities... and no, Apple is not going to fix that problem in the beta.I don't think Google Maps is going to disappear. None of the navigation apps are going away just because Apple is starting their own mapping platform. The only thing that's changing is Google losing its prime real estate as a built-in app.

My takeaway from the hastily thrown together Google Maps presentation a few weeks ago was that Google has no intention of abandoning the iPhone.

cjmillsnun

Jun 27, 2012, 04:35 PM

Correct me if I'm wrong but we haven't actually seen Apple's maps nor Nokia's maps for Windows 8 yet now have we? Your comparison is quite a few months too early.

Nokia Maps for Windows Phone 7 already exists. It's bloody good. But when they own one of the biggest mapping agencies in the world, I'd expect it to be.

----------

Also I can understand the person who likes paper maps.

As a digital cartographer I love paper maps. Sometimes they are far better. For example when you're outside of your mobile coverage area or your phone battery dies, a paper map is a very good fallback. It only requires the Mk1 human eyeball to read it (no signal or battery required). Sometimes I'll use an A-Z around London rather than use a sat nav or google maps on my phone.

JoeShades

Jun 27, 2012, 05:16 PM

Hmmm...Google is moving fast...

http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/27/google-earth-for-android-gets-new-3d-maps-for-some-cities/

competition is a great thing

shandyman

Jun 27, 2012, 05:44 PM

Hmmm...Google is moving fast...

http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/27/google-earth-for-android-gets-new-3d-maps-for-some-cities/

True. Tho when apple bought C3, they had 100 cities in 3D, hopefully they have even more now for when iOS launches.

Ayemerica

Jun 27, 2012, 11:14 PM

Google is way ahead in maps. Apple will have to throw a couple more billion dollars and time to catch up.

tech4all

Jun 27, 2012, 11:22 PM

What in God's Holy Name is the deal with maps these days? Is it just another way to brag about your choice of hardware? Really? I've said it a thousand times. If you ****ing don't know where you're going in the place you live or the town you live in, get a real GPS that uses actual satellite GPS location services or do it the old fashioned way. Look at a freakin map and remember where you're going. This has done me fine for 30 years.

Stop it with the ****ing maps already.

I've been an iPhone user since the 3G. I've also had GPS a few years before that. Plus I know how to read an actual map. Maybe just the young people don't know what a real map is.

You're missing my point. People are bragging about Maps applications on cell phones. My point is, stop bragging about whose maps app is better. Who gives a ****. If you have to have a maps app every time you get in a car, then you are totally lost.

http://cdn.memegenerator.net/instances/400x/21658885.jpg

:D:p:eek::rolleyes:

Chill dude.

Brazuca

Jun 29, 2012, 12:58 PM

Look at the incredible effort to get Google maps' colors and cartography right:

http://www.core77.com/blog/case_study/google_maps_designing_the_modern_atlas_21486.asp

I really hope that Apple has its A-game.

MozMan68

Jun 29, 2012, 05:29 PM

bozzykid

Jun 29, 2012, 05:32 PM

One of the Google maps designer writes a story on how great the design is? Pass.

Based on what we have seen from the Apples maps design, Apple could learn a thing or two from the way Google handles the colors/cartography.

shandyman

Jun 29, 2012, 06:11 PM

Based on what we have seen from the Apples maps design, Apple could learn a thing or two from the way Google handles the colors/cartography.

We've seen the beta. Not the final product.

John Adams

Jun 29, 2012, 06:16 PM

I dont think anyone will beat Google when it comes to maps. Not even Apple.

If Apple wants to top Google for maps/navigation, they have their work cut out for them. Nothing comes close. It's the best. Nothing in the App store is nearly as good. I said in another thread, I love my iPhone but miss Google Maps for navigation. I didn't know when I got the iPhone that Google didn't navigate or I may have stayed with Android.

I'm hoping Apple gets it right.

John Adams

Jun 29, 2012, 09:33 PM

In your opinion.

Of course it's his opinion. Why did you feel the need to point out the obvious? Everything posted here is the poster's opinion.

virginblue4

Jun 30, 2012, 04:25 AM

Of course it's his opinion. Why did you feel the need to point out the obvious? Everything posted here is the poster's opinion.

Because of the way he said it. He said "we will be getting a HUGE downgrade". He said that as if it is true for everyone. With the majority of posts over the interne, this is not true.

garybUK

Jun 30, 2012, 10:35 AM

I'm not sure what Google map's everyone is on about, but the old map's application was basically, useless.

I used the Beta 2 turn by turn to get me 50km away to pick up a parcel from a DPD depot... it was awesome, very fast, it cached the entire journey when i searched for it, it recalculated way quicker than my Navigon stand alone unit does and it just worked --- very accurate too and easily readable maps and signs whilst in use.

Remember we are on BETA 2 of this map software - how long have the competing systems had to develop? i'm certain this won't be the last of the development so chill.

Some glaring omissions from the maps app:

1) i'm set to British but i use KM/miles i don't know what a foot is, i can use miles but i prefer km... why not give me the option to set the units?

2) No speed camera poi nor any max speed warnings.

3) Siri didn't know my home address, even though the contact card was entered.... it did work very well using siri to dictate a destination, though.

I'm excited to see where this goes, i don't think it's near the competition, but i wouldn't expect it to be in it's 0.2 iteration.

Dr McKay

Jun 30, 2012, 11:35 AM

Correct me if I'm wrong but we haven't actually seen Apple's maps nor Nokia's maps for Windows 8 yet now have we? Your comparison is quite a few months too early.

Nokia Maps is already present on all the Nokia Lumia Windows Phones, they'll make it part of Windows Phone 8, so yes I have seen Nokia Maps.

newagemac

Jul 2, 2012, 06:14 AM

Nokia Maps is already present on all the Nokia Lumia Windows Phones, they'll make it part of Windows Phone 8, so yes I have seen Nokia Maps.

No, you've only seen Nokia Maps for Windows 7. You don't know what's in store for Windows 8. If the OP wanted to compare Google Maps to the current Nokia Maps then he shouldn't have said "...so we've already seen Nokia Maps for Windows 8". Likewise for Maps in iOS6. Neither have been released yet.

Soulstorm

Jul 2, 2012, 06:45 AM

There are many reasons why Apple decided to implement its own map services.

Maps by any company include not only what you see, but also what you can do with it, namely Geocoding services, which s the ability to identify your address based on your coordinates and vise-versa. So far on iOS, although there were alternative to Google Maps, like OpenStreet maps and companies based on ArcGIS, only google was able to offer a complete, fully functional and easy to use native API for developers to implement in their applications.

However, while geocoding and reverse geocoding works like a charm in Google, it is bound by the terms and conditions by google, and poses limits to how many requests a user can do per day on Google's servers, unless you buy the full package, which costs several thousands of Euros/Dollars per year. Those restrictions apply even if you use iOS' MapKit.

So, a company like the one I am working in has many restrictions in order to develop something that uses Geocoding services. On the contrary, Android doesn't have those limitations and since the APIs are coming directly from Google, you don't have to pay to use geocoding services when using their native frameworks on Android. Geocoding requests on their servers are limitless, and their API is as great as in iOS.

Apple's Maps solve our hands, since we will be able to have an equivalent Maps API in our disposal without having to Pay 10000+ euros in order to have our service running each year.

As you can see, there are many factors to take into consideration when deciding which API is best. For me, the best Maps implementation is the API that has the best Geocoding/Reverse Geocoding services and at the same time feeling native and can be taken full advantage of in my iOS programming environment. For my point of view, creation of a separate Maps API for iOS devices was a necessity, not a luxury for Apple, since developers were always complaining about the restrictions they had to deal with comparing to Android.

I must admit that Apple's Map API needs more refining at this point, but if it continues to grow and be stabilized at the rate it does now, then the developers will certainly abandon MapKit for iOS and use Apple's new Maps services. I'm eager to see how it goes.

Dr McKay

Jul 2, 2012, 10:24 AM

No, you've only seen Nokia Maps for Windows 7. You don't know what's in store for Windows 8. If the OP wanted to compare Google Maps to the current Nokia Maps then he shouldn't have said "...so we've already seen Nokia Maps for Windows 8". Likewise for Maps in iOS6. Neither have been released yet.

Nokia maps isn't on Windows, its on Windows Phone.

Morrus

Jul 2, 2012, 10:29 AM

1) i'm set to British but i use KM/miles i don't know what a foot is, i can use miles but i prefer km....

Britain officially uses miles, not kilometers. Apple are going to go with the official units. I haven't a clue what a kilometer is, and no roadsigns refer to them.

futbalguy

Jul 2, 2012, 12:21 PM

Britain officially uses miles, not kilometers. Apple are going to go with the official units. I haven't a clue what a kilometer is, and no roadsigns refer to them.

Still seems reasonable to allow people to see what they wish. Its not like the metric system is unpopular or the math is hard...

Morrus

Jul 2, 2012, 12:48 PM

Still seems reasonable to allow people to see what they wish. Its not like the metric system is unpopular or the math is hard...

*Shrug* Maybe they will. But in the meantime, the official units is the right way to go. Extra options are gravy.

chrf097

Jul 2, 2012, 12:52 PM

Features:
1) Google Maps
2) Apple Maps
3) Nokia Maps

Performance:
1) Google Maps
2) Nokia Maps
3) Apple Maps

User Interface:
1) Google Maps
2) Apple Maps
3) Nokia Maps

Map Appearance:
1) Apple Maps
2) Google Maps
3) Nokia Maps

Navigation:
1) Nokia Maps/Apple Maps
2) Google Maps

OVERALL:
1) Google Maps
2) Apple Maps
3) Nokia Maps

\-V-/

Jul 2, 2012, 12:58 PM

Bad day?

I can't tell you how many times google maps has helped me out in the city I live, a new city, or anything else. So just because you would rather look like a tool and carry around a state map at all times, the rest of us would like to use them on our phones if we can.

I lol'd. Seriously though, I'm sure I could get by without a GPS, but it is surely a convenient technology to embrace... especially GPS apps that help you find your car in an ungodly huge parking lot at a stadium or whatever. They have many uses.

kettlecorn

Jul 3, 2012, 01:08 AM

My god, I can't imagine my life without GPS and maps. Can you remember the days when you had to go to www.mapquest.com and write it down on a piece of paper or print it out? And if you got lost you were screwed?

garybUK

Jul 3, 2012, 01:36 AM

Britain officially uses miles, not kilometers. Apple are going to go with the official units. I haven't a clue what a kilometer is, and no roadsigns refer to them.

But EVERY single other application in the world let's you choose, miles and feet are ridiculously outdated.

Morrus

Jul 3, 2012, 09:06 AM

But EVERY single other application in the world let's you choose, miles and feet are ridiculously outdated.

I'm not sure what you want me to say.

8a22a

Jul 3, 2012, 09:17 AM

But EVERY single other application in the world let's you choose, miles and feet are ridiculously outdated.

I still use my feet. ;)

I'm sure more settings will be added, changing units, muting siri etc.

garybUK

Jul 3, 2012, 09:49 AM

I still use my feet. ;)

I'm sure more settings will be added, changing units, muting siri etc.

I hope so! they do need to allow more finer grain control..... because km/feet are old hat, and especially using it whilst driving abroad whilst keeping my region to UK would be a big help.

Older people should learn what a metre and a kilometre is :)

8a22a

Jul 4, 2012, 05:33 AM

I hope so! they do need to allow more finer grain control..... because km/feet are old hat, and especially using it whilst driving abroad whilst keeping my region to UK would be a big help.

Older people should learn what a metre and a kilometre is :)

All UK road signs are still in miles though.

shandyman

Jul 19, 2012, 06:49 PM

But EVERY single other application in the world let's you choose, miles and feet are ridiculously outdated.

All good things come to those who wait. Beta 3 brings the choice...

Also, confirmation that apple ARE using C3's data, so by launch there will be over 100 cities available in 3D

http://9to5mac.com/2012/07/19/apples-ios-6-3d-maps-are-straight-from-c3-technologies-some-interesting-notes/

solarguy17

Jul 19, 2012, 08:26 PM

I don't have iOS 6 so I haven't used Apple Maps yet, but from what I have seen from all three, I would have to say.

1. Apple Maps
2. Google Maps
3. Nokia Maps.

I put Apple over Google for now because of Siri, Yelp, Turn by Turn and Flyover.

I know there are something things that Google has that Apple doesn't, Transit and Street View. But I honestly have never used Transit to the point that when I was in NYC and could have used the transit, I forgot it was an option and simply downloaded a map of the subway system app.
And my use of street view is so small that it won't be a loss for me.

For me I need Turn by Turn and Siri use more then Transit or Street View.

shandyman

Jul 20, 2012, 02:09 AM