Apple's 3D Maps and Imagery See Incremental Improvements

MacRumors · Oct 5, 2012, 01:30 PM

Following last week's open letter from Tim Cook in which he promised that Apple "will keep working non-stop" until the iOS 6 Maps app meets customers' standards for quality, Apple has indeed been making improvements to the service. While there is certainly a ways to go, it is clear that the company is indeed moving quickly to address issues and improve coverage for the flagship 3D mapping and imagery features in the app.

While improvements have been ongoing, MacRumors forum members yesterday began noticing what appears to be a larger set of additions to the 3D content in the Maps app, including both the satellite/aerial imagery and the standard maps. One region that was among the first to be noticed was the New York City area, with a number of improvements including new 3D imagery of the Statue of Liberty being seen.

Old (left) and new (right) Flyover images of the Statue of Liberty

We've also heard from users who have experienced new Flyover imagery showing up in Honolulu, Hawaii and in the San Fernando Valley in the Los Angeles area. The changes are also affecting the standard vector-based maps as well, with users reporting new 3D buildings showing up in New York City and London.

Interestingly, not all users are seeing the new imagery, with some even doing side-by-side comparisons between devices with different results. The difference is presumably due to aggressive caching of maps and imagery, and users who are not yet seeing the new imagery should see updates in the relatively near future.

Article Link: Apple's 3D Maps and Imagery See Incremental Improvements

monaarts · Oct 5, 2012, 01:31 PM

As I have been saying since before Maps was even announced... (If they do announce the app), it will take some time for it to become better than Google Maps. Thanks for the continuous improvements.

tiwizard · Oct 5, 2012, 01:32 PM

Flyover is really cool to show off and it's also useless, but I still think it's a great way to show off the power of the iPhones...

I'm looking forward to seeing how they deal with some of the incorrect map data and how quickly they get it resolved... They're always improving Maps, people

Asclepio · Oct 5, 2012, 01:32 PM

rip coperfield

underkuerbis · Oct 5, 2012, 01:32 PM

Godspeed, Apple! Show them!

mono1980 · Oct 5, 2012, 01:33 PM

As much as I think this whole Maps thing is ridiculously overblown, it is pretty insane that Apple didn't have major national landmarks rendering correctly at launch...

Zwhaler · 02:23 PM

What about aeriel? My most important tool for navigation. Not '3D'. I hope they get it together quick.

musicpenguy · Oct 5, 2012, 01:34 PM

Also of note I am able to access Flyover in Honolulu, Hawaii - I have heard this is rolling out slowly and not available for everyone (I live here and that may be why I see it first).

Honolulu Flyover was not available until just recently - not a launch city.

Tim
ApplePredictions.com

moderngamenewb · Oct 5, 2012, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tiwizard

Flyover is really cool to show off and it's also useless, but I still think it's a great way to show off the power of the iPhones...

Sounds similar to Siri with the 4S. A cool feature to show off, but I don't use it that often.

I hope that they add public transportation to the maps app. If they add it back, then I'll probably upgrade back to ios 6

appleguy123 · Oct 5, 2012, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monaarts

As I have been saying since before Maps was even announced... (If they do announce the app), it will take some time for it to become better than Google Maps. Thanks for the continuous improvements.

If only Apple had an entire year left in which they could use Google map tiles while developing their own solution...

monaarts · Oct 5, 2012, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moderngamenewb

Sounds similar to Siri with the 4S. A cool feature to show off, but I don't use it that often.

I hope that they add public transportation to the maps app. If they add it back, then I'll probably upgrade back to ios 6

I don't understand this... My Apple Maps has public transportation already.

thederby · Oct 5, 2012, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moderngamenewb

Sounds similar to Siri with the 4S. A cool feature to show off, but I don't use it that often.

I hope that they add public transportation to the maps app. If they add it back, then I'll probably upgrade back to ios 6

even though i have a navigation system in my car, it's really convenient to invoke siri while i'm driving and say "directions to 123 blah blah st" instead of having to mess with my nav unit.

as a bonus, those directions are spoken to me through my stereo.

ianray · Oct 5, 2012, 01:41 PM

In the last couple of days more detail has appeared on the map in the greater-Helsinki area. (e.g. Masala station)

adildacoolset · Oct 5, 2012, 01:41 PM

TBH the duration of time google has an edge over apple maps is only temporary. Very soon, the only advantage will be street view. And I personally prefer flyover

cyks · Oct 5, 2012, 01:42 PM

Fixing the 3D maps and adding additional POI is all fine and dandy, but I'd rather they tackle the wrong streets and addresses.

It's an inconvenience if I were to search for a store and it didn't show up, but I could still open Safari, do a web search, and find out it's physical address.

It's a serious problem when that address takes me to the wrong spot.

akac · Oct 5, 2012, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by appleguy123

If only Apple had an entire year left in which they could use Google map tiles while developing their own solution...

Too bad they don't. The agreement supposedly would've ended in June of next year; a few months before iOS 7.

Even if Apple deigned to do an iOS 6.5 with maps to meet that date, they'd arguably be in the same position.

TwinCities Dan · Oct 5, 2012, 01:42 PM

That's great BUT...

I am extremely annoyed that I noticed on day one of iOS 6 that my business' info is outdated on the Maps app. I reported on day one (and every single day since), and nothing has been done. I have posted links to my company's web site (with the correct info) and my contact info many times to Apple but no response.

About a week after iOS6 came out I did a little experiment where I also informed Google of the info change as well.

Google updated their maps THE NEXT DAY.

What the hell Apple?

NitinNike · Oct 5, 2012, 01:43 PM

But I am not able to see Statue of Liberty in 3D. Why is it so?

sishaw · Oct 5, 2012, 01:44 PM

This is just bells and whistles, Apple needs to fix the incorrect locations and missing POIs first.

ryanbates · Oct 5, 2012, 01:45 PM

I noticed last night that a large portion of San Diego now has 3D, it's pretty cool looking

BC2009 · 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by appleguy123

If only Apple had an entire year left in which they could use Google map tiles while developing their own solution...

Have a read: http://daringfireball.net/2012/09/ti...les_map_switch
Gruber makes some interesting points on why they had to act when they did because of how development cycles aligned.

In other news, anybody else notice that the fly-over of the Brooklyn Bridge is looking correct now?

Also, Las Vegas (at least the tourist portion) is now showing 3D fly-over -- it did not at launch (only 2D satellite).

DblHelix · Oct 5, 2012, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monaarts

I don't understand this... My Apple Maps has public transportation already.

Clik on route after entering anything in the destination and show the screenshot. It will take you to a list with apps installed that you can click on route or you can download other apps. It works like crap.

thederby · Oct 5, 2012, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NitinNike

But I am not able to see Statue of Liberty in 3D. Why is it so?

Interestingly, not all users are seeing the new imagery, with some even doing side-by-side comparisons between devices with different results. The difference is presumably due to aggressive caching of maps and imagery, and users who are not yet seeing the new imagery should see updates in the relatively near future.

joesegh · Oct 5, 2012, 01:45 PM

I've been seeing small updates here and there. It will be an ongoing process. Best bet is for everyone to continue to report errors when they see them. I'm glad that the problems received such noteriety, because it is making sure that Apple stays on top of this!

jontech · Oct 5, 2012, 01:45 PM

some love for Hawaii

Still thankful for removing the Google spyware....

Mahalos!

Oct 5, 2012, 01:30 PM	#1
MacRumors macrumors bot Join Date: Apr 2001	Apple's 3D Maps and Imagery See Incremental Improvements Following last week's open letter from Tim Cook in which he promised that Apple "will keep working non-stop" until the iOS 6 Maps app meets customers' standards for quality, Apple has indeed been making improvements to the service. While there is certainly a ways to go, it is clear that the company is indeed moving quickly to address issues and improve coverage for the flagship 3D mapping and imagery features in the app. While improvements have been ongoing, MacRumors forum members yesterday began noticing what appears to be a larger set of additions to the 3D content in the Maps app, including both the satellite/aerial imagery and the standard maps. One region that was among the first to be noticed was the New York City area, with a number of improvements including new 3D imagery of the Statue of Liberty being seen. Old (left) and new (right) Flyover images of the Statue of Liberty We've also heard from users who have experienced new Flyover imagery showing up in Honolulu, Hawaii and in the San Fernando Valley in the Los Angeles area. The changes are also affecting the standard vector-based maps as well, with users reporting new 3D buildings showing up in New York City and London. Interestingly, not all users are seeing the new imagery, with some even doing side-by-side comparisons between devices with different results. The difference is presumably due to aggressive caching of maps and imagery, and users who are not yet seeing the new imagery should see updates in the relatively near future. Article Link: Apple's 3D Maps and Imagery See Incremental Improvements
	4

Oct 5, 2012, 01:31 PM	#2
monaarts macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Kennesaw, GA	As I have been saying since before Maps was even announced... (If they do announce the app), it will take some time for it to become better than Google Maps. Thanks for the continuous improvements. __________________ 27" 2011 iMac \| iPhone 4S \| iPad Wi-Fi 32GB \| 2 x TV 3 \| iPod Nano Watch
	37

Oct 5, 2012, 01:32 PM	#3
tiwizard macrumors regular Join Date: Jul 2010	Flyover is really cool to show off and it's also useless, but I still think it's a great way to show off the power of the iPhones... I'm looking forward to seeing how they deal with some of the incorrect map data and how quickly they get it resolved... They're always improving Maps, people __________________ Macbook Tips and Tricks Ultimate Guide to Macbook Storage Space
	8

Oct 5, 2012, 01:32 PM	#5
underkuerbis macrumors newbie Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Bremen, Germany	Godspeed, Apple! Show them!
	13

Oct 5, 2012, 01:33 PM	#6
mono1980 macrumors regular Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Lansing, MI	As much as I think this whole Maps thing is ridiculously overblown, it is pretty insane that Apple didn't have major national landmarks rendering correctly at launch...
	21

Oct 5, 2012, 01:32 PM	#4
Asclepio macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jul 2011	rip coperfield
	4

Oct 5, 2012, 01:33 PM	#7
Zwhaler macrumors 601 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Final Cut Pro	What about aeriel? My most important tool for navigation. Not '3D'. I hope they get it together quick. __________________ Mac Pro + Galaxy Note 2 Check Out My YouTube Channel~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Last edited by Zwhaler; Oct 5, 2012 at 02:23 PM.
	1

Oct 5, 2012, 01:34 PM	#8
musicpenguy macrumors 6502a Join Date: Oct 2006	Also of note I am able to access Flyover in Honolulu, Hawaii - I have heard this is rolling out slowly and not available for everyone (I live here and that may be why I see it first). Honolulu Flyover was not available until just recently - not a launch city. Tim ApplePredictions.com Attached Thumbnails __________________ (2006: 17" MBP, Rev A: MBA Sold), 2009 Mac Mini, MBA 1.4GHz, 2GB, 128GB, 11" - iPad 64GB 3G, eMate 300, MP2100, 2G 8GB iPhone, 3G 16GB iPhone, 3G&6G Nano, 2G Shuffle, 160GB TV, TV-V2 - TPPN.TV
	4

Oct 5, 2012, 01:41 PM	#13
ianray macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: @	In the last couple of days more detail has appeared on the map in the greater-Helsinki area. (e.g. Masala station) __________________ My App Store App: Dashometer -- GPS dashboard, speedometer, and navigation tool
	2

Oct 5, 2012, 01:41 PM	#14
adildacoolset macrumors 6502a Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Lusaka, Zambia(If you know where it is)	TBH the duration of time google has an edge over apple maps is only temporary. Very soon, the only advantage will be street view. And I personally prefer flyover __________________ Last edited by adildacoolset; Tomorrow at 09:42 AM. Reason: grammar error
	7

Oct 5, 2012, 01:42 PM	#15
cyks macrumors 68000 Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Westchester County, NY	Fixing the 3D maps and adding additional POI is all fine and dandy, but I'd rather they tackle the wrong streets and addresses. It's an inconvenience if I were to search for a store and it didn't show up, but I could still open Safari, do a web search, and find out it's physical address. It's a serious problem when that address takes me to the wrong spot.
	16

Oct 5, 2012, 01:42 PM	#17
TwinCities Dan macrumors 603 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Double Parked out front of the Courthouse	That's great BUT... I am extremely annoyed that I noticed on day one of iOS 6 that my business' info is outdated on the Maps app. I reported on day one (and every single day since), and nothing has been done. I have posted links to my company's web site (with the correct info) and my contact info many times to Apple but no response. About a week after iOS6 came out I did a little experiment where I also informed Google of the info change as well. Google updated their maps THE NEXT DAY. What the hell Apple? __________________ Guilty feet do have rhythm, they just dance to the wrong theme music to amuse the villian Instead of killin', I spare the raccoon n' start fillin' sand bags as I stare at the moon...Thoughts flood
	14

Oct 5, 2012, 01:43 PM	#18
NitinNike macrumors member Join Date: Apr 2012	But I am not able to see Statue of Liberty in 3D. Why is it so?
	0

Oct 5, 2012, 01:44 PM	#19
sishaw macrumors 65816 Join Date: Jan 2005	This is not what they need to be working on first... This is just bells and whistles, Apple needs to fix the incorrect locations and missing POIs first.
	20

Oct 5, 2012, 01:45 PM	#20
ryanbates macrumors member Join Date: May 2010	San Diego I noticed last night that a large portion of San Diego now has 3D, it's pretty cool looking __________________ 13" MacBook Air, 1.8 GHz i5, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD ; 32GB Black iPhone 5 (Verizon) Mobiture - YouTube
	2

Oct 5, 2012, 01:45 PM	#24
joesegh macrumors regular Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: New Jersey, USA	I've been seeing small updates here and there. It will be an ongoing process. Best bet is for everyone to continue to report errors when they see them. I'm glad that the problems received such noteriety, because it is making sure that Apple stays on top of this!
	4

Oct 5, 2012, 01:45 PM	#25
jontech macrumors 6502 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Hawaii	some love for Hawaii Still thankful for removing the Google spyware.... Mahalos! __________________ Psalm 91
	8

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