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Is Google Maps getting worse? (lemmy.world)

submitted 2 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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My dad uses Google Maps, and he mentioned that it seems to be getting worse. Like, giving him directions that are obviously worse than alternatives. Has anyone else here experienced this?

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[–] [email protected] 12 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (3 children)

Yes. I know this is like.. Cliche but I do want to say that I've heard of, and downloaded a new map app called Organic Maps(Play Store). BUT I haven't used it for navigation yet.

About two days after I found it, play store deleted it but I can link it, so it must be back up. If you just open it, it looks beautiful and immediately you notice that stores are not paying money to be prioritized. You can see ALL the businesses equally and I love it.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

I love Organic Maps. I used it quite a lot for navigation across Europe and here's my list of findings in order from good to bad

The maps are visually much clearer than Google Maps
Businesses are all visible like you said, and so are street names, etc. I don't know what Google did, but often zooming on something won't get you the labels. With Organic Maps it just works. On the other hand, businesses are often missing or outdated. Google's database is way more current and complete.
Walking paths, benches, bins, etc. are usually better mapped-out (because it's built on OpenStreetMap). On the flipside, this community-driven approach leaves some roads outdated and occasionally it'll cause you having to back-track, or ending up on dirt roads. I have fun in those moments though. :)
Its navigation includes instructions for important Y-junctions in highways where Google Maps just assumes you'll take the correct lane. On the flipside it'll often tell you to "go straight" even though there seem to be no other options.
Generally when navigating, a Google Maps blunder tends to be way more annoying than an Organic Maps blunder.
It works without an internet connection by asking you to download the maps along your route up front. This can also be a hassle when you just want a quick result.
Sometimes the position-tracking experiences a delay, which can cause you to miss your turns. This is annoying and I hope it will be fixed.
Computing a route can take a few minutes depending on the distance and complexity of roads.
It uses way more battery than Google Maps.

Now, if it wasn't for this last point, I'd use it over Google Maps every time. But the battery consumption is so bad that I only use it if I know that I can reliably charge my phone throughout the trip.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 months ago

I wasn't able to install from the Play Store, but it's on F-Droid too.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

It's great with navi, its also great at finding businesses, even offline.

Organic has saved my tail a few times in state parks where I didn't have cell service. I tell everyone I know to install it just in case of emergency.

It can be more up to date, or out of date depending on the area. I pair it with Street Complete, which makes it easy to update info, or notifies you information you could provide.