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It’s so much easier to navigate with Apple Maps (when it works). Hearing “turn right at the stop sign” or “go past these lights” is so much more helpful than “a

It’s so much easier to navigate with Apple Maps (when it works). Hearing “turn right at the stop sign” or “go past these lights” is so much more helpful than “after 800m, turn right”

ttcbj 4y ago
I haven't really tried apple maps since it came out and was bad. However, one thing I dislike about Google maps nav is how formal it is, even in areas that I have driven around for years. Often, I will drive to a hike where I need detailed navigation as I get outside my comfort zone, but I am completely familiar with the highways near me. It would be so much clearer if it just said "take I-270 south in half a mile" instead of, "Using exit 272, use the second from the right lane to take I-270 south, I-270 North, then stay left at the fork to take I-270 south." I know how to get on I-270 south, all you need to do is tell me that is where I am going, not the minutia on how to do it. I can see how the latter is useful for someone passing through, but google maps knows I've been through that intersection hundreds of times. It's really distracting and counterproductive for me. I wish there was some "give short instructions in my area" type setting that would simplify instructions in this case.
- usui 4y ago
  Google generally has a goldmine of personal data that it could use to improve your user experience and make driving better, same with Search and YouTube. The past decade has shown Google is content with only using your personal information for serving you ads, not improving other functions. I wish what you suggested could exist too.
  - CamperBob2 4y ago
    Probably because people scream bloody murder when they use personal information for anything other than the most critical, documented business functions (i.e., serving ads.)
- jessriedel 4y ago
  A version that I've long wanted, which is close to what you want: a "less verbose" setting for the voice instructions that would give you abbreviated instructions or perhaps even just a tone. Very often, all I need from Maps is an audio notification to let me know a turn is approaching so I don't miss it and I can look at the map for the details. Having the details read out in excruciating detail is much more annoying, as you point out.
usui 4y ago
I have mine set to meters as well, but for some instructions it will randomly say "after 1000 feet, turn right". I also agree that Apple Maps's relative instruction giving to be a much better design, it's almost as if they know that they build things to be useful for humans and not robots.
WorldMaker 4y ago
I found I really appreciated Apple Maps' relative directions also take into account differences in context of walking rather than driving. I've used Apple Maps for walking directions between bars and between the relative directions and Apple Watch integration it felt like magic even (especially?) while intoxicated.
kevincox 4y ago
I disagree. If the distance is accurate (I've had a few trips where Google Maps seemed to be 10s ahead of my car location) then I don't need to worry about looking at lights or stop signs and deciding if these are the ones they are talking about or the one in half a block. I can easily tell that the next turn is more than 50m and this is the one I need.
rahimnathwani 4y ago
I came here to say this. When there is a series of lights coming up, I don't know which light is X metres away.

It’s so much easier to navigate with Apple Maps (when it works). Hearing “turn right at the stop sign” or “go past these lights” is so much more helpful than “after 800m, turn right”

ttcbj 4y ago

I haven't really tried apple maps since it came out and was bad. However, one thing I dislike about Google maps nav is how formal it is, even in areas that I have driven around for years. Often, I will drive to a hike where I need detailed navigation as I get outside my comfort zone, but I am completely familiar with the highways near me. It would be so much clearer if it just said "take I-270 south in half a mile" instead of, "Using exit 272, use the second from the right lane to take I-270 south, I-270 North, then stay left at the fork to take I-270 south." I know how to get on I-270 south, all you need to do is tell me that is where I am going, not the minutia on how to do it. I can see how the latter is useful for someone passing through, but google maps knows I've been through that intersection hundreds of times. It's really distracting and counterproductive for me. I wish there was some "give short instructions in my area" type setting that would simplify instructions in this case.

usui 4y ago
Google generally has a goldmine of personal data that it could use to improve your user experience and make driving better, same with Search and YouTube. The past decade has shown Google is content with only using your personal information for serving you ads, not improving other functions. I wish what you suggested could exist too.
- CamperBob2 4y ago
  Probably because people scream bloody murder when they use personal information for anything other than the most critical, documented business functions (i.e., serving ads.)
jessriedel 4y ago
A version that I've long wanted, which is close to what you want: a "less verbose" setting for the voice instructions that would give you abbreviated instructions or perhaps even just a tone. Very often, all I need from Maps is an audio notification to let me know a turn is approaching so I don't miss it and I can look at the map for the details. Having the details read out in excruciating detail is much more annoying, as you point out.

usui 4y ago

I have mine set to meters as well, but for some instructions it will randomly say "after 1000 feet, turn right". I also agree that Apple Maps's relative instruction giving to be a much better design, it's almost as if they know that they build things to be useful for humans and not robots.

WorldMaker 4y ago

I found I really appreciated Apple Maps' relative directions also take into account differences in context of walking rather than driving. I've used Apple Maps for walking directions between bars and between the relative directions and Apple Watch integration it felt like magic even (especially?) while intoxicated.

kevincox 4y ago

I disagree. If the distance is accurate (I've had a few trips where Google Maps seemed to be 10s ahead of my car location) then I don't need to worry about looking at lights or stop signs and deciding if these are the ones they are talking about or the one in half a block. I can easily tell that the next turn is more than 50m and this is the one I need.

rahimnathwani 4y ago

I came here to say this. When there is a series of lights coming up, I don't know which light is X metres away.