Wow. Apple Maps is a disaster.

[cyks]

Ummm...so every single one of your quoted stories that appear after Tim's apology are almost exclusively about Google Maps and just happen to mention Apple Maps or just the fact the Google Maps are available as a web version on iOS.

As has already been pointed out by others, once the fact that Apple's Maps are substandard is regarded as fact, there is no reason to dedicate a story to was would be considered "old news." What I pointed out is that, even as recent as a couple of days ago, there is still ample talk about how bad the maps continue to be.

I think I would consider it "news" if it was bashed in a major story from a national newspaper or news outlet that would actually be read or seen by a large number of people.

I'm sorry. I didn't realize CNN wasn't a large enough news source for you.

 

[jeyf]

mid 90's i had a pda with a decent street maps app on it, how is apple giving this junk now?

 

[Heb 7:4]

Yet we're supposed to take the word of, what....10 MacRumours users who mostly live in the outskirts of England repeatedly posting to tell us that maps are a disaster?.

Ah yes, London. Practically a small village. That must be why apple maps assumes I want London, Ontario when I search for London, England when stood in the middle of the place.

The arrogance of the fanboy apologist is truly a sight to behold.

 

[dba415]

I wish to have Google Maps every single day almost. Last Monday, I needed to take the bus from somewhere but inexplicably got on the wrong one (had never gone to this place before by bus)

I was essentially lost and didn't know how to get back home. You know what saved me? Google Maps on Safari.

I would pay money for google maps back as a native app.

 

[PhoneandPad]

All my devices are on 5.1.1....
Call me when they've implemented public transport and street view.
....

Was just now using Street View on my iPad (IOS 5.1 so still a good 'un) and Street View works really well. Extremely useful for armchair browsing for some property locations to see what the locality looks like. Works better than the Click and Point Windows implementation.

All gone with IOS 6? Ouch!

And the public transport planning in Google Maps is great for comparing the journey time Car vs. Rail. For us Europeans this is a key thing - we don't all live in the boondocks.

 

[Tom8]

Apple's mapping data for York, England, where I'm currently at Uni is absolutely embarrassing. A few days ago I tried to use it for walking directions and all the imagery displayed was either black & white, completely blurred or non-existent (dsplaying a circle with a line through it on a black background). The lack of native public transport data is also completely astounding.

I can't believe that they've put this out for the end users with such shocking oversights. I couldn't care less about Flyover, I just want a maps app that actually functions properly.

 

[MozMan68]

Apple's mapping data for York, England, where I'm currently at Uni is absolutely embarrassing. A few days ago I tried to use it for walking directions and all the imagery displayed was either black & white, completely blurred or non-existent (dsplaying a circle with a line through it on a black background). The lack of native public transport data is also completely astounding.

I can't believe that they've put this out for the end users with such shocking oversights. I couldn't care less about Flyover, I just want a maps app that actually functions properly.

But it still gave you a direction, a big sign at the top with street names to head to including direction and where to turn, right?

And why didn't you just switch to standard view?

You're complaining about the horrible satellite images in many parts of England which no one is denying...how were the directions?

And transit directions involve pressing one extra button...and in most cases, will provide better options than Google ever did...not for every single location in the world, but in most cases...

 

[firestarter]

MozMan68, what point are you trying to make?

You hang around this thread like a bad smell... complaining that we shouldn't mention the problems that we're having with Apple Maps... for what purpose?

For some reason you expect us to cough up the same money to Apple and yet make do with significantly decreased functionality. Why?

And you have some sort of bizarre theory going on about news coverage, even though you've been shown that CNN has continued with this story (but apparently that was the wrong sort of story).

You seem incapable of appreciating how people are using this app in cities and countries away from your immediate limited experience.

You're complaining about the horrible satellite images in many parts of England which no one is denying...how were the directions?

You don't use turn by turn directions when you're walking. Why would you?

Turn by turn is a useless feature for city based phone users, and a poor tradeoff for the loss of good satellite imagery, streetview and accurate POIs.

And transit directions involve pressing one extra button...and in most cases, will provide better options than Google ever did...not for every single location in the world, but in most cases...

You've clearly never used the feature.

Even in London (which has more transit apps than most cities) the separate transit apps are a poor reflection of Google's map, and they will always be that way (no-one else has Google's funding and determination).

Google's benefit is that they have global coverage, and with multiple transit sources. Most transit apps are limited to one metropolitan area and one means of transport...

As an example, if I went from London to Reading (about 1/2 hour out by train), I can't use any of my London bus apps to tell me which bus to catch when I get there, I'd have to try and find a specific Reading bus app (and I don't know whether that even exists).

Google has great coverage across a wide area.

Why should I accept this downgrade anyway? Is Apple going to give me a discount on my next iDevice?

 

[MozMan68]

MozMan68, what point are you trying to make?

You hang around this thread like a bad smell... complaining that we shouldn't mention the problems that we're having with Apple Maps... for what purpose?

For some reason you expect us to cough up the same money to Apple and yet make do with significantly decreased functionality. Why?

And you have some sort of bizarre theory going on about news coverage, even though you've been shown that CNN has continued with this story (but apparently that was the wrong sort of story).

You seem incapable of appreciating how people are using this app in cities and countries away from your immediate limited experience.


You don't use turn by turn directions when you're walking. Why would you?

Turn by turn is a useless feature for city based phone users, and a poor tradeoff for the loss of good satellite imagery, streetview and accurate POIs.


You've clearly never used the feature.

Even in London (which has more transit apps than most cities) the separate transit apps are a poor reflection of Google's map, and they will always be that way (no-one else has Google's funding and determination).

Google's benefit is that they have global coverage, and with multiple transit sources. Most transit apps are limited to one metropolitan area and one means of transport...

As an example, if I went from London to Reading (about 1/2 hour out by train), I can't use any of my London bus apps to tell me which bus to catch when I get there, I'd have to try and find a specific Reading bus app (and I don't know whether that even exists).

Google has great coverage across a wide area.

Why should I accept this downgrade anyway? Is Apple going to give me a discount on my next iDevice?

I hang around because I'm honestly trying to comprehend the complaints as I am not having the same experience...and at the same time, trying to expose the trolls that seemingly just want to jump on the bandwagon by trashing the app without backup.

It's simple...go to York on the map and pick two locations and map them as directions.

The ONLY complaint I could see someone making is that the satellite view is horrendous as mentioned by the poster above.

I don't live in York, so I can't comment whether or not the directions given were actually correct...which is why I asked if they were.

Maps showed me very clear and concise walking directions in the standard view with turn by turn sign views.

Pressing transit brought up a few free app options which once downloaded I assume would give transit directions...and yes...after downloaded..would be ONE extra press of a button.

I use maps everyday...I have used transit in three different cities so far and they were better than my experience with Google transit.

I'm simply trying to understand what people are complaining about or at least clarify for others visiting this thread. Re-read his post and tell me my response is incorrect. He is complaining about the port satellite images only and makes no mention of the fact that the app gave him clear and concise walking directions if he had simply looked at the standard map view...right?

I guess the original poster will need to respond, but don't get mad at me for simply asking some questions to see what the real issue is...you can read it as me defending the app, but I could care less. Apple doesn't pay me to be on here...just trying to expose what the issues actually are (and yes, I believe there are plenty of them).

I mean..what if the original poster read my response and said, "oh...I didn't even realize I could view the directions in standard view. Thanks...all better now." Wouldn't that be helpful and nice?

 

[Heb 7:4]

I hang around because I'm honestly trying to comprehend the complaints as I am not having the same experience

Yet no one is trying to claim you are having the same experience. I don't know where you live, and frankly don't care. If Apple Maps is brilliant for you, how does that help me? I live in one of the world's major cities, and it is shockingly bad. I'm about to move to Dubai, and it's even worse there.

...and at the same time, trying to expose the trolls that seemingly just want to jump on the bandwagon by trashing the app without backup.

What trolls? We're all bloody Apple customers. That's customers, by the way, not fanboys. I've paid Apple a lot of money over the year, because I generally like their products. I am bought into their ecosystem to the extent that it is not easy to change. As a customer, I am very unhappy that they have pushed out an inferior product, presented to me as an upgrade. I'm glad that Apple have recognised that this was an error, and apologised, but for some reason you want to jump up and down telling everyone how their problems aren't really problems, because you don't have an issue with the new maps. If anyone is trolling, it's you.

For me, and many many others, Apple maps is ****. These are major world cities they have ballsed up, and you offer fanboy sycophancy in response.

 

[firestarter]

I hang around because I'm honestly trying to comprehend the complaints as I am not having the same experience...

Of course you're not... since you live in the US, and your city probably only has three roads which aren't on a regular NS/EW grid system. That sort of mapping is easy, and Apple seems to have concentrated on it's home market to the detriment of others (even though the US buys less than 1/3 of all iPhones).

and at the same time, trying to expose the trolls that seemingly just want to jump on the bandwagon by trashing the app without backup.

I haven't seen any of those. We're all iPhone owners, or have some sort of interest in Apple to be members of this forum I would have thought.

The ONLY complaint I could see someone making is that the satellite view is horrendous as mentioned by the poster above.

No, they can complain as much as they want about POIs, accuracy, lack of street view, satellite, public transit, whatever.

I don't live in York, so I can't comment whether or not the directions given were actually correct...which is why I asked if they were.

He told you his experience was negative. Why question him then?

Maps showed me very clear and concise walking directions in the standard view with turn by turn sign views.

But you've never been to York (ever left the 'States?) so you wouldn't know...

Pressing transit brought up a few free app options which once downloaded I assume would give transit directions...and yes...after downloaded..would be ONE extra press of a button.

But what about if the poster went to Leeds, or Harrogate, or Bradford or any of the other tens of small towns in the area? Different app each time eh? What if there is no app? What if you want to travel from one area to another?

Seriously, you're clutching at straws here.

I use maps everyday...I have used transit in three different cities so far and they were better than my experience with Google transit.

Which cities? Which apps?

Were you using mixed mode (tube/train/bus) or just single-mode transit?

I'm simply trying to understand what people are complaining about or at least clarify for others visiting this thread. Re-read his post and tell me my response is incorrect.

I'm reading the posting of someone who can't seem to stand anyone criticising Apple, and is out to rubbish every post from someone who has a negative experience.

It works great for you, fine, WE HEAR THAT!

you can read it as me defending the app, but I could care less. Apple doesn't pay me to be on here...

I call BS

just trying to expose what the issues actually are (and yes, I believe there are plenty of them).

Please list the real issues that you accept to be true.

I mean..what if the original poster read my response and said, "oh...I didn't even realize I could view the directions in standard view. Thanks...all better now." Wouldn't that be helpful and nice?

You're so not getting it.

 

[matttye]

Not trying to spin anything...it's a fact...they took a calculated risk in launching iOS 6 before it was ready for the world so they could get the iPhone 5 out and it looks like they were right.

The iPhone 5 would have sold just as well, if not better, if they launched it with google maps. They would've just had less complaints.

Right? No, they most definitely made the wrong decision.

 

[MozMan68]

Seriously...don't get mad at me for asking a simple question.....why didn't you use standard view? Where specifically were you traveling when it didn't work for you?

Just trying to separate ACTUAL problems from serial complaining.

Your list of questions have absolutely nothing to do with his post.

And btw...I travel internationally regularly and actually lived in England for a while...in Shifnal in Shropshire county...so nice try.

But maps has only been available publicly for less than a month, so no, I have not tried it in every city in the world...which I guess is why I'm asking these questions.

Nothing prevents me from sitting on my chair in the USA and trying out directions elsewhere though, does it.

I'm asking pretty simple questions...and probably only one or two people in this thread have been honest enough to post where they actually wanted to go and why it didn't work for them. At least they give the rest of us a chance to see if we have the same experience.

Do you know how many people are still complaining that parts of NYC aren't in 3d because older images are cached on their phone? Do they have a right to complain about how crappy the images are on their phone?

----------

The iPhone 5 would have sold just as well, if not better, if they launched it with google maps. They would've just had less complaints.

Right? No, they most definitely made the wrong decision.

Wait...let me get out my alternate reality machine to see if that is true...

Still wouldn't have had turn by turn or Siri integration.....the point is not how many they would have sold, but looks clear that it didn't PREVENT them from selling a record number.

I mean, wouldn't you think, especially with prices not lowered, that LESS people would be buying iPhones since there haven't been dramatic changes in hardware over the past two years? I personally thought that there were plenty of people happy with their 4's or 4S's and didn't think the 5 would sell this well...with or without maps.

 

[KnightWRX]

Seriously...don't get mad at me for asking a simple question.....

No, people are mad at you because like I told you, you're derailling the thread and creating an hostile discussion environnement. In other words, you're not helping, you're only flamebaiting. I think you need to start to consider what I told you yesterday very carefully.

This just isn't the thread for you if you're not willing to discuss on-topic the problems with Apple's maps. Simply accussing others of misbehaving is only you being the pot and calling the kettle black. You're the one here that's causing havoc and overblowing the issue of "people who jump on bandwagons".

We're all iOS 6 users. Some of us even iPhone 5 owners. Apple isn't going to suddenly die because you let us discuss our issues with Maps in peace instead of constantly trying to insult and enflame us with your rhetoric.

 

[matttye]

Wait...let me get out my alternate reality machine to see if that is true...

Still wouldn't have had turn by turn or Siri integration.....the point is not how many they would have sold, but looks clear that it didn't PREVENT them from selling a record number.

I mean, wouldn't you think, especially with prices not lowered, that LESS people would be buying iPhones since there haven't been dramatic changes in hardware over the past two years? I personally thought that there were plenty of people happy with their 4's or 4S's and didn't think the 5 would sell this well...with or without maps.

To be honest it doesn't matter how many people buy it, it's quite irrelevant to the topic at hand so let's just forget about that. All that means is that maps isn't a deal breaker, it doesn't suggest that people are happy with maps.

I have a sat nav, which of course I would love to replace with my phone if I could, but with maps being in such a poor state, I just use my sat nav.. not the end of the world.

Like an earlier poster said, if you have no issues, what are you doing in this thread?! This is obviously a thread for people to discuss issues in. You saying that we're all exaggerating is unhelpful.

 

[MozMan68]

Boy...you all just don't get it...I'm not trying to defend how "great" maps are, I'm simply trying to clarify what is ACTUALLY bad about them.

Again....the satellite images are pure CRAP in certain areas, but the post was about walking directions...we're they CRAP too? Did it give the wrong directions? We're proper transit directions not available as he inferred?

Simply trying to raise the level of discussion on these forums to actual solutions or facts and not just people WHINING!

I have fully admitted when I was wrong or off topic...but a post in this thread stating " Maps in London are pure crap!" doesn't help anyone...how about some facts. Why was it crap? Give a specific example where it didn't work so others can check it out. How will we know if it was ever fixed?

These same people complaining will rarely (if ever) come back and say they were wrong. Just trying to keep things honest.

 

[cyks]

Again....the satellite images are pure CRAP in certain areas, but the post was about walking directions...we're they CRAP too? Did it give the wrong directions? We're proper transit directions not available as he inferred?

Here's a nice and easy one to help you understand why walking directions have problems...


Map walking from:
1 5th Ave,New York, NY 10003

To:
50 Washington Square South, New York, NY


See that nice open park meant for walking? It's a shame Apple doesn't. There are plenty of through paths in cities for those on foot, but Apple prefers people to follow the streets.

 

[Risco]

It sent me to the wrong friggin Ace Cafe in London. Was riding on my motorbike and had never been there before. I did not even know there was more than one Ace Cafe in London...I ended up getting stuck in middle of London rush hour.

 

[MozMan68]

Here's a nice and easy one to help you understand why walking directions have problems...


Map walking from:
1 5th Ave,New York, NY 10003

To:
50 Washington Square South, New York, NY


See that nice open park meant for walking? It's a shame Apple doesn't. There are plenty of through paths in cities for those on foot, but Apple prefers people to follow the streets.

Thank you for at least providing a real example.

What's interesting is that the last directions I looked at on my iPad were transit (train) and when I put your example in, the transit app I have been using (HopStop) opened up. While Apple does direct you around the block to the correct address (which I honestly believe will be fixed as some parks in Maps do have paths integrated), HopStop walking directions ignored the lack of paths and directed me through the park, although not as direct as Google would have...probably a difference of a minute, but thank you for pointing it out.

 

[MozMan68]

So...figured I wold try this through a huge park that does show walking paths on Maps...seems to work as I had hoped.

So, the lack of actual paths is the issue in the earlier post, not the "directions" provided...good to know in my opinion.

Yes...I agree that lack of paths is an issue...

 

[cyks]

So...figured I wold try this through a huge park that does show walking paths on Maps...seems to work as I had hoped.

So, the lack of actual paths is the issue in the earlier post, not the "directions" provided...good to know in my opinion.

Yes...I agree that lack of paths is an issue...

The result is the same as the rest of the maps... they might work, they might not.

Sorry, but, with something like maps where accurate data is absolutely required, that's not nearly good enough.

 

[MozMan68]

The result is the same as the rest of the maps... they might work, they might not.

Sorry, but, with something like maps where accurate data is absolutely required, that's not nearly good enough.

Well...the data is accurate as shown...I think it would be worse if the paths were shown and it then took you around the block.

Goggle Maps has more info and better in your particular example...but I'm at least comforted by the fact that the directions work when the paths are actually included...and being from NYC, I would have cut through the park anyway...

 

[z06gal]

Apple maps in my neck of the woods has worked beautifully. I think, given time, it will be outstanding. I do not use maps every day but I still recall the days I was in sales driving all over the place with a bag phone [had a whopping 30 mins on my "plan"] and a map folded up in the glove compartment. I won't complain. It will get better and will do so fast I feel sure

 

[apollo1444]

people never complained about tom tom, this is where apple are getting most of their crap for the maps

 

[MozMan68]

people never complained about tom tom, this is where apple are getting most of their crap for the maps

Not sure that is true...combination of badly integrated POI's (not from TomTom), bad satellite imagery in some countries (not from TomTom) and lack of integrated transit/walking directions (not necessarily from TomTom).

Reviews of turn by turn (from TomTom) have generally been very positive when those other items are not a factor.