Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Apple Using OpenStreetMap Data in iPhoto for iOS
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
who gives a **** about what map service apple is using in iphoto for journals, they're their to look pretty, not provide directions. everywhere else is using google maps. i prefer bing maps personally on w8 and wp7, just look much better.
Its more about the implication for the future of the maps app. Everything on ios has used google maps until now.
Hmm, Un-Apple
what is going on?
All of the "beef-ups" and then this?
... Not a fan. Expected more from Apple. And I have to agree with others when they say, Steve Jobs would have not had this. He is probably up there slapping his forehead in dissapointment right now! : )
what is going on?All of the "beef-ups" and then this?
... Not a fan. Expected more from Apple. And I have to agree with others when they say, Steve Jobs would have not had this. He is probably up there slapping his forehead in dissapointment right now! : )
On an apple product? BAHAHAHAHAHA
I think Leo Laporte said it best:
"OSM takes the high road. I admire them for that. But isn't it odd that Apple is so protective of its own IP but so careless (or worse) with the work of others?"
https://plus.google.com/101261243957067319422/posts/WiMSGLun28X
If Apple really used OSM data without giving credit then it doesnt really matter if it was on purpose or not, both are rather embarrassing for a company that has a *lot* of experience in licensing and pursues a *very* aggressive stance on licensing themselves (including regular legal actions).
I am sure this will be sorted out one or the other way. Maybe it turns out the OSM data was not used, but if it was used then it didnt contribute to a positive view of how Apple handles licensing and creative work in general.
And yes, I am using several Apple devices and non Apple ones myself. I care for the right tool at hand, not the name on the shell (usually prefer not to have brand names visible on my stuff).
I am sure this will be sorted out one or the other way. Maybe it turns out the OSM data was not used, but if it was used then it didnt contribute to a positive view of how Apple handles licensing and creative work in general.
And yes, I am using several Apple devices and non Apple ones myself. I care for the right tool at hand, not the name on the shell (usually prefer not to have brand names visible on my stuff).
Apple didn't just decide to use Openstreetmap. If they did, the maps wouldn't be that outdated. What probably happened is that Apple bought a mapping company who, unknowingly to Apple, didn't obtain their map data legitimately, but just forked their database from Openstreetmap some time in 2010. Maybe they misrepresented the licensing of their data to Apple (but what did Apple expect, a clean map database basically "for free", which cost Nokia 6 billion )?
In any case, it will be interesting to see what happens now.
In any case, it will be interesting to see what happens now.
How about a half-way mapped town that matches exactly with how OSM looked on April 1st 2010?
Same streets missing - even major ones and entire neighbourhoods. And we're not talking about new developments. Some of those streets are hundreds of years old. They just hadn't been mapped in OSM yet at the time.
Same exact streets included, same paths. Everything lines up.
There is no doubt.
Is that good enough for you?
Not sure I expect an an answer.
Live map is here.
Are you suggesting the OSM guys deserve to be shafted by Apple because they use a WIKI ? "should" and "where possible" are quite often used in t&c. The OSM project is a great volunteer project born out of providing alternatives to paying extremely high licence fees to commercial map data providers. Apple can't justify piggy back on their efforts without some recompense and as a bare minimum offer credit where credit is due.
Your analysis is absurd and as someone who worked within the GIS industry for many years, frankly insulting.
TomTom bought Tele Atlas which owns the map data. In other words, they don't license it, they have it.
Garmin actually uses either free maps the user can download to their device (mostly based on OpenStreetMaps as well) or a Nokia subsidiary called Navteq.
So, on a second thought, Garmin might not be the best choice...
Last edited:
No matter the source of the maps, they look second grade to the other offerings and surely not at the expected Apple level.
You must be working in Apple's advanced research division! Surely you can tell us some details of the amazing stuff you're working on??!!
Just had a look at the OpenStreetMap site and there isn't anything wrong with it.
It could do with a tweak or two but it pretty solid
It could do with a tweak or two but it pretty solid
What a cryin SHAME, APPLE!
If Apple really is switching to OSM and doing away with Google Maps this is a huge step backwards. Take one look at OSM website and it looks like it's been frozen in time back in the '90s! These maps and the performance of the OSM website are horid compared to the modern, leading edge look & feel of google maps.
This better not be true!
Apple, how could you make this mistake?
If Apple really is switching to OSM and doing away with Google Maps this is a huge step backwards. Take one look at OSM website and it looks like it's been frozen in time back in the '90s! These maps and the performance of the OSM website are horid compared to the modern, leading edge look & feel of google maps.
This better not be true!
Apple, how could you make this mistake?
Last edited:
OpenStreeMap data is OPEN. People in my community edit and update the data regularly, and it is MORE UP TO DATE in my community than anything Google has had for years now.If Apple really is switching OSM and doing away with Google Maps this is a huge step backwards. Take one look at OSM website and it looks like it's been frozen in time back in the '90s! These maps and the performance of the OSM website are horid compared to the modern, leading edge look & feel of google maps.
This better not be true!
Apple, how could you make this mistake?
If Apple has performance issues, it's their fault, because they have to host the data themselves.
If Apple's OpenStreetMap data is from 2010, then they are idiots, because the instructions to update the data regularly are right there on the OpenStreetMap website.
The look of Google Maps hasn't changed for years, there is nothing "modern" about it. If Apple is hosting their own OpenStreetMap server, they can set whatever styles they want for their maps [edit - based on what I'm reading Apple is using their own style].
Last edited:
Good to hear someone with a bit of knowledge and with all these assumptions flying about!
I am completely baffled by your statement; however, I find it hilarious that you linked me to google plus.
However, I think quite a lot of people on this forum need a re-education in the meaning of the word choice. My Apple product gives me at least 4 options for maps. I know this cause I have chosen four apps for maps on my Apple product.
Choosing not to use Google is also a choice. But, I guess you can't accept that.
I'll say it again, choice is a good thing. It keeps the things that I don't want in my life, out of my life.
Last edited by a moderator:
As someone who works in the GIS industry, I completely agree with this post. The open and evolving nature of OSM is its greatest asset.
Also, folks should keep in mind that the visual style of these maps is completely independent from the map data itself. Although some may find the style of OSM's maps to be unattractive or outdated in appearance, rendering logic could be written to make them look very much like Google Maps, for example.
Which part is causing you trouble?
Do you disagree that Apple is very active in protecting their IP (like most other companies, maybe moreso)?
Or do you disagree that Apple is being careless with other people's IP, by using it without adhering to the license it's distributed under?
I'm of the impression that map data should be crowd sourced...
It's a momentum thing. I'm sure if wikipedia hand't of been successful, we might all be paying for some online version of Expedia.
Map data (and directions) should be very similar. It just might take some growing pains to get there.
I'm sure Apple would be happy just pulling any revenue generated by Google maps out from under them. This, IMO, is ultimately good for the consumer.
It's a momentum thing. I'm sure if wikipedia hand't of been successful, we might all be paying for some online version of Expedia.
Map data (and directions) should be very similar. It just might take some growing pains to get there.
I'm sure Apple would be happy just pulling any revenue generated by Google maps out from under them. This, IMO, is ultimately good for the consumer.
And one day when Google shuts down all Gmail, Youtube and search services from Apple products it means that Apple goes bankrupt in two days. End of story.
Instead, I'd think Google would think this as a threat - which it is. There's nothing that really technically advanced about map data. As a consumer, I'd like to see this get opensourced.