Google Maps Capabilities

[jrmbadger]

Last time I checked Google Maps still didn't report alerts like police and other hazards but I do use Maps when I want to find a restaurant or other business.

Regardless, there's definitely a disconnect between Google Maps data and Rivian speed limits reported because Waze is 100% accurate and Rivian is about 90% accurate at best on state and local roads.

One issue with the speed limit reports on the Rivian is that - say you turn from a 30mph road onto a 55mph road, the speed limit indicator doesn't change until it "sees" a different speed limit sign. So until it sees a 55mph sign, it remains at 30mph. At least on Gen 1 that is.

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[rvnxyz001]

Last time I checked Google Maps still didn't report alerts like police and other hazards but

No, it does report for sure (aa/carplay apps, not sure about rivian google map)

 

[Steve A.]

No, it does report for sure (aa/carplay apps, not sure about rivian google map)

Well, I'll have to check out Maps again, but below is what Google Gemini said when i asked it if Maps reports the same alerts. Regardless, I'm pretty sure only Waze has a way for you to report such hazards.

No, Google Maps does not report the exact same traffic and police alerts as Waze, even though Google owns both apps and has recently integrated some data-sharing between them.​

Here is how they differ:​

• Data Sharing: Google Maps pulls some police and incident notifications directly from the Waze community. When you are actively navigating in Google Maps, you will sometimes see an alert that says a report came from the Waze community.
  • The "Destination" Catch: Waze shows you police speed traps, hazards, and speedometers constantly, even if you are just driving with the app open and haven’t entered a destination. Google Maps generally only shows you upcoming police alerts and hazards if you have actively started a turn-by-turn navigation route.
  • Granularity and Detail: Waze has a much more active user base for real-time reporting. It allows drivers to specify if a police officer is "Hidden," "Visible," or on the "Other side" of the highway. Google Maps keeps its incident options basic ("Police presence") without that extra context.
  • Speed of Updates: Because Waze relies entirely on instant crowdsourcing, alerts typically pop up much faster and much farther in advance than they do on Google Maps, which relies heavily on background passive data tracking to determine traffic flows.

If avoiding tickets and getting immediate, aggressive rerouting around sudden hazards is your priority, Waze is still the better tool for the job. If you prefer a cleaner interface, lane guidance, and better destination details, Google Maps wins out.​

 

[McLovin]

Well, I'll have to check out Maps again, but below is what Google Gemini said when i asked it if Maps reports the same alerts.

First, stop asking AIs for answers and taking them as truthful. Second, believe me, Google Maps alerts you to police, disabled vehicles, and construction. It’s been doing it for years. And I ignore it every time.

 

[rvnxyz001]

, I'm pretty sure only Waze has a way for you to report such hazards.

Google maps added the same reporting menu long time ago. Even Apple Maps has this feature now. Waze has been an obsolete app for quite some time.

Waze used to show more route options, but with a recent update, Google Maps shows the same, plus they tell you which route has less traffic or is more fuel-efficient in the tooltip that you can click. So, it is even nicer than Waze now.

No, Google Maps does not report the exact same traffic and police alerts as Waze, even though Google owns both apps and has recently integrated some data-sharing between them.Here is how they differ:

It is probably a year old data ...

 

[Steve A.]

First, stop asking AIs for answers and taking them as truthful. Second, believe me, Google Maps alerts you to police, disabled vehicles, and construction. It’s been doing it for years. And I ignore it every time.

First, did you bother even reading the GOOGLE Gemini answer? If you did, you'd have read that Maps "... pulls some police and incident notifications directly from the Waze community..." but "... Because Waze relies entirely on instant crowdsourcing, alerts typically pop up much faster and much farther in advance than they do on Google Maps, which relies heavily on background passive data tracking to determine traffic flows...".

So, if you don't trust GOOGLE Gemini to anwer GOOGLE Maps and/or GOOGLE Waze questions, then perhaps you didn't realize that you can actually click on the sources of the answer like the following:
How Waze Knows There's a Cop Ahead (And Google Maps Doesn't).

 

[Steve A.]

Google maps added the same reporting menu long time ago. Even Apple Maps has this feature now. Waze has been an obsolete app for quite some time.
Waze used to show more route options, but with a recent update, Google Maps shows the same, plus they tell you which route has less traffic or is more fuel-efficient in the tooltip that you can click. So, it is even nicer than Waze now.

Good to know. I may give Maps another try but it will NOT be via Rivian's Infotainment system but will be via my EV Sportline Android Auto display, since I refuse to use lesser Rivian apps.

FWIW the ONLY reason why I even pay for Connect+ is to be able to remotely view my R1T cameras.

 

[rvnxyz001]

answer like the following:
How Waze Knows There's a Cop Ahead (And Google Maps Doesn't).

This video also fully AI generated

Google Maps implemented user reporting almost two years ago and has gradually become very similar to Waze. Now, because Google Maps has a larger user base, Waze is even pulling data from Google’s events database: https://www.waze.com/discuss/t/new-...g-the-waze-map-with-google-maps-alerts/400676. It was initially the other way around. There is very little benefit to using Waze now unless you prefer its UI.

 

[Steve A.]

This video also fully AI generated

Google Maps implemented user reporting almost two years ago and has gradually become very similar to Waze. Now, because Google Maps has a larger user base, Waze is even pulling data from Google’s events database: https://www.waze.com/discuss/t/new-...g-the-waze-map-with-google-maps-alerts/400676. It was initially the other way around. There is very little benefit to using Waze now unless you prefer its UI.

Obviously, the animation is AI generated but the narrator is not.

Regardless, I'll give Maps on Android Auto another try starting tomorrow on my daily commute and see how it compares now, since I've been using Waze for years.

Thanks for the info.

 

[Steve A.]

Google Maps implemented user reporting almost two years ago and has gradually become very similar to Waze. Now, because Google Maps has a larger user base, Waze is even pulling data from Google’s events database: https://www.waze.com/discuss/t/new-...g-the-waze-map-with-google-maps-alerts/400676. It was initially the other way around. There is very little benefit to using Waze now unless you prefer its UI.

Actually, here's a pretty recent take on the differences:
Google Maps and Waze are not the same—here’s the differences that matter

 

[Hereforthesnacks]

Google owns Waze but keeps all of Waze’s best features out of Google Maps for some reason.

Google Maps has police reports, info on crashes, and red light camera info.

 

[rvnxyz001]

Actually, here's a pretty recent take on the differences:
Google Maps and Waze are not the same—here’s the differences that matter

Google maps changed a lot like month or two ago and now suggest way more routes than before, very similar to waze now

https://blog.google/products-and-platforms/products/maps/ask-maps-immersive-navigation/

 

[Hereforthesnacks]

First, did you bother even reading the GOOGLE Gemini answer? If you did, you'd have read that Maps "... pulls some police and incident notifications directly from the Waze community..." but "... Because Waze relies entirely on instant crowdsourcing, alerts typically pop up much faster and much farther in advance than they do on Google Maps, which relies heavily on background passive data tracking to determine traffic flows...".

So, if you don't trust GOOGLE Gemini to anwer GOOGLE Maps and/or GOOGLE Waze questions, then perhaps you didn't realize that you can actually click on the sources of the answer like the following:
How Waze Knows There's a Cop Ahead (And Google Maps Doesn't).

It doesn’t matter whose LLM it is. It’s still an LLM.

Google Gemini recently told me that Google was founded in the 1950s. That should give you some perspective.

 

[Steve A.]

It doesn’t matter whose LLM it is. It’s still an LLM.

Google Gemini recently told me that Google was founded in the 1950s. That should give you some perspective.

And what matters are the sources it cites which you can read and judge their accuracy and validity like everything else on the Internet.

 

[azbill]

Google owns Waze but keeps all of Waze’s best features out of Google Maps for some reason.

Not true. My GM vehicles with Google built in has this feature. To have this data you must be logged into your Google account and must be navigating. GM vehicles can also install Waze, and use it without navigating. You still have to log into your Waze account.

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