Maps: traffic info and "directions by default"

[GrumpyTrucker]

Firstly the main point - is anyone else having an issue with maps, in that the icons for traffic info are far too small to be seen clearly, especially if the phone is mounted to the dash / windscreen? They're really tiny and I don't remember them being that small in iOS 9. Also the coloured lines representing delays are so thin as to be barely visible in the wrong light. Screenshots attached.

Secondly, and I've had this niggle since PB1, am I the only one who isn't a fan of maps now defaulting to a satnav type approach and the search bar is a "where do you want to go" bar now?

 

[MozMan68]

No responses yet?

I'll just say that I agree...could be better...but my "road closed" symbol is showing up much larger than what your screen shot shows. And I like the black line that shows the portion of the closed road (and the fact that this is actually correct!!!)

...and traffic lines on my phone (at least on the route) seem clearer than yours as well...fills in the whole line. You can see where there is traffic on the off ramp leading up to this, it is still shown, but behind the road.

What I'm really surprised about though is that Apple seems WAY better at marking closed roads like seen above...but then a "new" entrance to the same highway that was constructed over two years ago (and is shown in the satellite view) is still not fixed and has people illegally turning left across traffic to enter the highway.

Yes...I did submit a correction to Apple (and I think I did two years ago as well...)

 

[SDColorado]

What I'm really surprised about though is that Apple seems WAY better at marking closed roads like seen above...but then a "new" entrance to the same highway that was constructed over two years ago (and is shown in the satellite view) is still not fixed and has people illegally turning left across traffic to enter the highway.

Yes...I did submit a correction to Apple (and I think I did two years ago as well...)

Apple maps gets data from "TomTom and other data providers"

It might be worthwhile to submit a report on www.tomtom.com/mapshare/tools

If TomTom updates it there, perhaps it will get updated to Apple Maps downstream afterwards? Can't hurt

 

[StonewallBrown]

You might want to resubmit your correction to Apple. I've had pretty good results the past 6 months or so. Every correction I've submitted has been addressed. Probably 15-20 at least.

 

[MozMan68]

You might want to resubmit your correction to Apple. I've had pretty good results the past 6 months or so. Every correction I've submitted has been addressed. Probably 15-20 at least.

Yep...I did...

I'm still amazed that with so many loyal followers that they don't open up the map editing capability (a la Waze)...I'm one of those geeks that actually enjoys making corrections so others benefit from it.

They could certainly set up some sort of verification system to make sure the folks with that ability could be tracked and kept accountable so no one screwed with the system.

 

[GIZBUG]

My question, has anyone left WAZE for Apple Maps (w/traffic)?

 

[MozMan68]

My question, has anyone left WAZE for Apple Maps (w/traffic)?

I still use Waze primarily....but only because I drive really fast and want to know where cops are...and I actually love when I'm notified of an object on the road or car on the shoulder.

I have been testing Maps though when I can to see how it does...working pretty well and faster than ever.

 

[GIZBUG]

Ya wish Apple maps alerted of red light cameras and cops :/

 

[dany20mh]

Apple maps gets data from "TomTom and other data providers"

It might be worthwhile to submit a report on www.tomtom.com/mapshare/tools

If TomTom updates it there, perhaps it will get updated to Apple Maps downstream afterwards? Can't hurt

I know Apple gets the information from other third parties such at TomTom but there was a road add to the TomTom map next to my house for almost 2 years ago and it just updated to Apple Map a few weeks ago.

 

[one more]

My question, has anyone left WAZE for Apple Maps (w/traffic)?

I have done exactly the opposite, i.e. left the new (iOS 10 beta) Apple Maps for Waze, after happily using Maps in iOS 8 & 9. As far as Apple Maps driving experience goes, for now it looks/works like a bad copy of Waze. I still cannot believe Apple Maps UI design was outdone by Waze, but it is a fact. Hoping for a radical improvement in the final release, else I will stick to Waze.

 

[Feenician]

but it is a fact

No, it is an opinion.

 

[gwhizkids]

My question, has anyone left WAZE for Apple Maps (w/traffic)?

I have. I love Waze, but not having it on CarPlay is a deal killer. Plus, Apple Maps (including dynamic re-routing)has improved to the point where I don't miss it as much (but I do miss it somewhat).

 

[mthomas184]

My question, has anyone left WAZE for Apple Maps (w/traffic)?

I use Apple Maps locally. When driving long distances on Highways I use Waze for the police feature.

 

[campyguy]

OP, a couple of comments. First, I've written it here before - as long as Apple relies on TomTom for data, Maps is nothing more than Apple-branded lipstick on TomTom's pig. Same old TomTom sh** data, with a different package. Second, forget about iOS 10's interface - it's just a new shade of lipstick.

Regarding aerial data, get over this to a degree. Many parts of my work area - the entire PNW and BC (eh?) and parts of AB and ID/MT haven't had aerials shot since 2011 as land developers aren't building out or paying for aerials nearly as much - four of my main client bases haven't had new aerials shot since 2010/2011, and I have to pay for new aerials if I want updates - at $20k per aerial with decent detail, it ain't cheap. My point here is that if new(er) aerial data isn't available because land developers aren't paying that fee, Apple/Google/MS/TeleAtlas/NAVTEQ can't buy current data from local jurisdictions since it just doesn't exist... I grew up with Thomas Guides, and still carry one since I know what logging road that shows up on my iPhone as a navigable roadway will likely lead me to a colony of rocks...

Besides, if you're a trucker as your name alludes, you're not bothering with the stock OS Maps app - you're using a dedicated trucking-based nav package...?

 

[vikingjunior]

iOS 10 maps had me pulling out my old Garmin. Why can't these app based maps take a page from Garmin on how to aesthetically put together a legible navigation. First start with "big" buttons for everything and then make the navigation line as wide as possible. The only one that comes close to this is Waze if you zoom all the way in, although my pet peeve with Waze is it will have you making tons of rights and lefts to save a minute. Google maps has potential but they insist on that very thin navigation line what they don't realize is this is real life navigation and most people will just glance real quick at the device they don't have the time to just stare at the phone. This is where Garmin shines because it was built from the bottom up they realize people are actually driving while looking at directions.
My Garmin is connected to my phone via Garmin app which gives me live traffic, speed and red light cameras, weather and live video cameras. I give up on app based GPS and happy to stick with my Garmin and let my iPhone shine in other areas.

 

[one more]

Apple Maps in iOS 10 beta still need a lot of work to be fit for their use while driving. In iOS 9 Maps had a beautiful design, smooth transitions and very clever routing, which made it easy and smooth for the driver, while also lacking some useful features, like avoid tolls and add a place en route. In iOS 10 beta, they brought in more features, which is a welcome addition, but the app's overall performance suffered as a result. In iOS 9 we had a nice 3D map tilt while driving, which would change smoothly to a flyover view on approaching turns or roundabouts. In iOS 10 beta they somewhat flattened its 3D view in driving mode and the advertised dynamic zooming in/out feature struggles quite a bit (do compare it with Waze on the same stretch to see how it should be done). Plus in iOS 10 beta Maps take ages to actually calculate the route compared to both Waze & Google maps. And while it calculates, it heats the phone to a toaster temperature. And this is all on a SE, so the latest Apple chip! What is going to happen to iPhone 5C, 5S & 6 with "weaker" internals then? If Apple release their new "revamped" Maps as they stand now, it will be a disaster quite similar to their debut. Of course, now users have Waze, Google Maps, etc. to jump to straight away, but I doubt this is Apple's intention, so they will really need to sort it out quickly. I would love to continue using Maps in iOS 10, but they are not ready yet, imho.