Apple's Maps App Directs Alaska Drivers onto Airport Taxiway

Apple should have just paid google instead of going through this inefficient route. Tom tom will never be as good.
Like Google Maps has no issues with directions. Maybe you should Google it... Plenty of erroneous directions in Google Maps as well. Not sure on this one. I have noticed on both that if you don't put in the address, but just the name of the POI, it can go wrong. Had it happening myself in San Diego this summer. Was in Coronado, and just put in Seaworld. You would end up on the wrong side of the water/bay following the turn by turn directions.

My biggest complaint would be that when you report the error, it doesn't get worked. That process is something that Apple should fix.
 
I'm not a fan of Apple Maps - but this is really a non-story.

There's going to be a ton of errors across map platforms. Are we going to see a story for each mistake that pops up?

I'd disagree. I've not heard of Google Maps directing people onto an airstrip lately--after repeated requests from the airport to correct the error.

Apple maps is constantly confusing Manhattan addresses with Brooklyn and Queens in my area--and the map still doesn't include subway stops. Apple has billions in cash so there is no excuse for this.

I have to say Apple Maps is a unmitigated failure. Love my iPhone though--but I wouldn't have kept it if I didn't have Google Maps.
 
If Steve still was in charge, none of this would happen.

He never allowed any release of a unfinished product or software.

- Apple Lisa
- 20th Anniversary Mac
- MobileMe

Nobody is perfect. Steve was not some saint who could do no wrong for goodness sake.

You seem to forget that Steve was strongly in favor of giving Forstall more control. Clearly that was a stupid idea.
 
I still can't use Apple Maps, I really want to but its just wrong to much! It still things my house is in the middle of a golf course 10 miles away!!! I'm sorry Apple but your Maps program is still a huge failure!!
 
Like Google Maps has no issues with directions. Maybe you should Google it... Plenty of erroneous directions in Google Maps as well. Not sure on this one. I have noticed on both that if you don't put in the address, but just the name of the POI, it can go wrong. Had it happening myself in San Diego this summer. Was in Coronado, and just put in Seaworld. You would end up on the wrong side of the water/bay following the turn by turn directions.

My biggest complaint would be that when you report the error, it doesn't get worked. That process is something that Apple should fix.

Google maps has plenty of issues - no mapping system is perfect.

The difference is:

- I reported an error in my town to Google. It was fixed within 28 hours.
- I reported a business that had closed (20 years ago) to Apple on the release day of Maps. It still has not been fixed. Neither of the countless other issues I've reported.

Google gives a damn about the accuracy of their mapping data. Apple clearly does not.
 
You know, even when Maps runs well, it is an also ran. I ran it accidently the other day and it was horrible compared to the Google Maps experience.

The way it works is not as good as Google's version. It confused me. I did not like it at all.

At first I wanted to give Appple Maps the benefit of the doubt, and excused it for just not being the version I was used to. But no, it actually is a poorer experience.
 
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While people have pointed out that Google Maps will give correct directions, it's not as if Google Maps didn't have issues of its own; it's to be expected any mapping app will have some issues. Google Maps still falls flat on its face, like any sat-nav system, on new or altered road systems such as new junctions, one-way restrictions etc.

This is why drivers shouldn't be so stupid as to rely entirely on a system that is capable of being wrong; have a look at another map before making the journey, and oh I dunno, look at the damned road signs once in a while. I've yet to go to an airport that hasn't had an abundance of road-signs directing people where to go but if you, as the driver, choose to follow a map on your phone instead of looking at the road then you've only yourself to blame.

Seriously, since when did these mapping tools replace the human driver rather than just being the aids that they're designed to be? These things are no different than directions given to you by a passing stranger; they could be wrong, or the actual roads could look very different in reality than they do on a map, so use your ****ing eyes, not just your iPhone. I mean, these people may as well be driving with their eyes closed as they apparently don't use them, so anyone issuing a complaint should have their licenses immediately suspended. Yes Apple should fix this, but it's a mistake on their part, or the part of whichever service they get their data from, but drivers are more responsible for their own foolishness.
 
Didn't a major airline just approve "the" use of iPads in "the" cockpit for pilots? Hmmm just wondering if someone didn't mix up the code somewhere....meanwhile a 737 is parked in Fairbanks Walmart parking lot....this isn't the right gate?....just saying....</kidding>

No matter what GPS/mapping app you use, responsibility falls to the driver. Be alert, drive safe.

Thanks man, I'm ideally laughing/crying of laughter in my Financial Literacy class, and the teacher probably knows I'm not reading an article on loans/applying to college on my computer.
 
You can sit and wait for TomTom to "get their act together", whatever that means (if you ever sampled GPS's pre-phone-directions-era, you knew TomTom was inferior, as they are now)......

or you can give up the religious devotion to one company, and actually pick the product that offers the better maps, the less-closed phone OS, and better specs for less money.

I'm not saying everyone should dump their iPhones. They're certainly the better choice for non-techie types. But that comes with a price - if you think that saying "TomTom needs to get their act together" is going to result in some magical transformation, I've got a few bridges to sell you. There's no motivation for that to occur, because the masses are already slavishly devoted to their iPhones. That's fine, just don't expect the kind of accuracy you're going to get with Google Maps, cuz you ain't gonna get it.

Yes but there's no better smartphone than iPhone. All other systems are worthless junk.

----------

While people have pointed out that Google Maps will give correct directions, it's not as if Google Maps didn't have issues of its own; it's to be expected any mapping app will have some issues. Google Maps still falls flat on its face, like any sat-nav system, on new or altered road systems such as new junctions, one-way restrictions etc.

This is why drivers shouldn't be so stupid as to rely entirely on a system that is capable of being wrong; have a look at another map before making the journey, and oh I dunno, look at the damned road signs once in a while. I've yet to go to an airport that hasn't had an abundance of road-signs directing people where to go but if you, as the driver, choose to follow a map on your phone instead of looking at the road then you've only yourself to blame.

Seriously, since when did these mapping tools replace the human driver rather than just being the aids that they're designed to be? These things are no different than directions given to you by a passing stranger; they could be wrong, or the actual roads could look very different in reality than they do on a map, so use your ****ing eyes, not just your iPhone. I mean, these people may as well be driving with their eyes closed as they apparently don't use them, so anyone issuing a complaint should have their licenses immediately suspended. Yes Apple should fix this, but it's a mistake on their part, or the part of whichever service they get their data from, but drivers are more responsible for their own foolishness.

It is inappropriate for any engineer to assume the user to be "smart".

A good designer makes sure his products are idiot-proof.
 
Apple should have just paid google instead of going through this inefficient route. Tom tom will never be as good.
TomTom works better for me (YMMV) and it does not instruct the driver to use Taxiway Bravo. Map data, while used to generate directions, does not generate directions itself. TomTom isn't the problem -- Apple Maps is.

As for "should", using your reasoning, Google shouldn't have created Google Maps in the first place given its rocky start. Your selective recollection seems to have conveniently forgotten recent history.

Yes but there's no better smartphone than iPhone. All other systems are worthless junk.
Better is always highly subjective, regardless of topic. Same for worth. Simple real world observation will demonstrate this.

A good designer makes sure his products are idiot-proof.
There's no such thing. A designer who thinks his/her product is idiot proof underestimates idiots. This line of discussion is irrelevant anyway, since, as pointed out countless times already, a driver is always ultimately responsible.
 
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Ding. Ding. Ding.

Apple is not blameless, but people don't understand this. It isn't their data.

Are people still saying this crap?

Apple bought the most basic stripped down version of data possible. Data that was third hand, not even second hand.

Lots of information would have already been removed by TomTom when they compiled the information for their products.

Apple are solely to blame, they tried to do a Maps app on the cheap and screwed it up. Once they purchased the data, the responsibility fell squarely and solely with them. They knew what they were buying. They knew the quality of the information.

As for doing the cartography themselves? Well that's almost the biggest lie to come from them in recent years.
 
This seems like a pretty serious issue, but so does having a public road lead straight up to a runway without any road barriers. ;)
 
Google maps has plenty of issues - no mapping system is perfect.

The difference is:

- I reported an error in my town to Google. It was fixed within 28 hours.
- I reported a business that had closed (20 years ago) to Apple on the release day of Maps. It still has not been fixed. Neither of the countless other issues I've reported.

Google gives a damn about the accuracy of their mapping data. Apple clearly does not.
My last sentence showed that I agreed with you. It is a process Apple should fix. I have reported inaccuracies myself, including within the area I live where Restaurants are off by blocks. None of that has been fixed. They will need to be more serious about it. Why else have a report a problem button on the screen. I am wondering that they are dependent on their providers like TomTom to update the data points. If so, that isn't working and much to slow.
 
I'm not a lawyer, but I'm not convinced that either Apple, or a lost driver would be 100% scott-free, if push came to shove. I'm pretty sure that as a provider of the info, Apple has the legal responsibility to ensure the data they provide is reasonably accurate, without glaring or potentially life-threatening errors, just as the person driving the car would be expected to be vigilant about his surroundings. Ignorance has never been a lawful excuse.

If you made that bet, you'd be wrong. People tried suing Google over idiotically following obviously wrong routing errors *all the time* when it first started offering directions. They lost, because no matter who gives you directions, *you* are still the one responsible for your own actions.
 
Clearly the issue is with the location of the POI pin being on a runway (basically in the center of the airport image). Also service roads on the airport property should not be listed as public roads. If the pin is moved to one of the terminal buildings and the roads are change to private, then the navigation would route correctly. Simple fix.
 
I don't understand why this is news at all? Stupid.

Airplane-Movie1-500x312.jpg
 
#1 - Impossible
The only way someone can take their car on the airport runway is in the game Grand Theft Auto. This can't happen using a GPS system in real life.

#2 - So people are just discovering it now?

#3 - Are people that dumb to do it?

#4 - Must be fake
 
What??? No!

I don't see what the big deal is. My wife and I left home and made it to the airport in 20 minutes. We were routed from the highway by Apple Maps directly onto the runway and within minutes were taxiing for departure. No lines, no lost luggage, no airplane food! I love Apple Maps - it saves us a LOT of time!

:rolleyes:
 
According to the airport's chief of operations, Melissa Osborn, out-of-town drivers have driven onto airport property twice in the past week, crossing the runway and driving directly to the airport ramp side of the passenger terminal. "These folks drove past several signs. They even drove past a gate. None of that cued them that they did something inappropriate," she said.

Got it..Apple and Tom Tom need an immediate divorce but umm should the airport have more than signs preventing cars from driving on runways??? Maybe a gate or concrete wall here and there or how about spikes for the tires so they can't even get to the restricted area.
 
Attention Terrorists:

Attention terrorists: fish in a barrel in Alaska. Just drive onto the runway and take out a 737. No fence? You've got to be kidding me.
 
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