Compare Apple Maps and Google Maps

Previously, Google Maps was a familiar map application for iPhone users. But in 2012, Apple released its own application - simply called Apple Maps - as part of the iOS 6. software update. These two services have become fierce competitors since there.

In this article, TipsMake.com will compare Apple Maps and Google Maps. After six and a half years since its debut, has Apple finally caught up with its rivals? The article will examine this issue based on the following criteria: Reliability, ease of use and special features, to help you decide which best mapping application to use on iPhone and iPad.

Is Apple Maps or Google Maps a better mapping app?

1. Price and availability
2. Accuracy of data
3. Accuracy and error
4. Search and directions locally
5. Step-by-step navigation
6. Unique features

Price and availability

The good news is that both applications are free. Apple Maps is preloaded on all iPhones and iPads, while you can download Google Maps from the App Store. (Apple Maps will still be the default mapping service and iOS will always prioritize loading addresses in that application).

As a pre-installed application, Apple Maps can be updated whenever there is a new iOS version. The public transport guide has been added as part of the iOS 9 update in 2015, while iOS 12 brings a whole new service.

Accuracy of data

When Apple Maps was first released, it had a lot of errors and inaccuracies. There are islands that appear twice, hospitals, supermarkets are confused, Dulles Airport is attached to the wrong address, even Apple Maps also pushed many people into dangerous situations (as some cases are noted). in Australia).

But the problems that need to be overcome are unavoidable when a new service comes out and these serious errors are resolved later.

Now, how to compare the data accuracy of two Apple Maps and Google Maps services?

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First, let's outline a panoramic view of the processes used by Google to ensure our data is accurate. The company bought a company that supplies high-resolution satellite images called Skybox for $ 500 million and uses a small army of people to check the map, respond to user problems. report and correct any errors.

Apple has also been busy since its Maps service launched. For example, one-third of acquisitions in 2013 are related to mapping companies. The company bought Locationary, a company focused on community location data and HopStop, which collects data from hundreds of shipping agencies, among many others.

And iGeneration reports that Apple has set up a Mechanical Turk user program to verify data in its map. Contributors will be paid about 54 cents for each position, up to 600 times a week.

Accuracy and error

The period when Apple Maps encountered serious errors has been a thing of the past and in most respects you will see it as nearly or exactly as Google Maps.

Apple Maps shows buildings as well as streets and many other local businesses (although you may find this additional information useful or distracting, depending on each person's personal views). On the other hand, Google seems to be more thorough in this respect. For example, if you look at the screens above, you will see that Apple only displays roads that can drive under Cranbrook Mews, while Google offers both walkways and small trails. (grey).

Both current mapping services are highly accurate, but compared to each other, Apple still seems to have minor errors.

Apple Maps marks the location of businesses a bit deviated (about a few meters). Google sometimes has the same problem, but less frequently, according to the experience of many users.

Search and directions locally

Being able to navigate around using your chosen map application is important for most people. So what about route optimizations between Apple Maps vs Google Maps? Both of these services offer a variety of options for route planning: Apple Maps offers applications for parking, driving, walking and public transport, while Google adds features for cyclists.

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When you search for something in Google Maps, such as a restaurant, you'll see appropriate options in your area, sorted (mostly) by distance, but can filter by criteria other. Google also gives you useful alerts about opening hours (the 'Close up' message is highlighted in orange, 'Closed' highlighted in red), description, a price if available, set Collecting images can be clipped to view and evaluate by stars.

Click on one of the search results and you will see more details, as well as the option to get directions through many different types of traffic. The app will also provide alternative routes and tell you how they will affect the time it takes to reach your destination.

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Apple Maps presents a similar but more concise list of search results. As with Google, you get distance, star rating, estimated price range if available and often there is only one illustration image. However, while Google offers a description, Apple only provides a category name that consists of one or two words.

Users tend to prefer a more informative list of Google, but Apple's approach means you can browse more options on the screen at the same time. You also tend to observe maps better.

Clicking on the results in Apple Maps will take you to focus on the map view and provide more information, including addresses, phone numbers, full opening hours, which allow booking, delivery and hitting. Short price or not. You can also get directions through 4 types of traffic. Apple seems less likely to provide alternative routes.

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In addition to lists that contain less information, many users do not believe that searching on Apple Maps will return the best options. Performing a restaurant search in both applications in the same area, users find that there are very few duplicate results in the top 10 suggestions. And while Google finds reasonable options, Apple often goes to cafes, pubs and bars that spread in that area.

Finally, the search function on Apple Maps works a bit odd when the author of the article locks 'restaurant' through regular search. The application indicates no matching results. To get a list of the options discussed above, you must click the Food & Drinks> Restaurants button above the search input field.

Step-by-step navigation

The focus of many features of both Google and Apple Maps, step-by-step, has denied the need (and often expensive) of a traditional satellite navigation (satnav) tool in many people's lives. . Although both are easy to set up and proud to have voice prompts for each step of the journey, there are some subtle differences between them.

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The biggest plus for Apple Maps turn-by-turn feature is the 3D map view (activated by swiping upwards with two fingers when you start the journey). You can see all the buildings around you in 3D, helping you find your exact location with the position on the screen.

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In normal use situations, the Apple Maps navigation interface is more obvious than Google, especially when looking at the screen only and looks like a traditional satellite navigation tool. You can see your current location and upcoming directions very easily. In contrast, Google's turn-by-turn navigation feature doesn't make sense very subtly.

A feature that users don't expect is a voice command feature, which allows you to control turn-by-turn navigation of Google Maps, by touching the microphone on the top right of the app and taking action yours. Although some people may not find this feature useful, that means that if you use Google Maps as a satellite navigation tool, you won't be distracted when driving and struggling with it.

iOS can interpret the voice commands of Siri (such as "get directions to British Museum" ) into directions on Apple Maps, although users may not always find this handy feature great.

Unique features

Although there are many similarities between the two 'giants' on this map application, but besides, Apple Maps and Google Maps also have some big differences.

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Apple Maps has a few gimmicks. Flyover virtual tour (with a view from above), available for many locations around the world, is very interesting. It is interesting to have a virtual tour (assuming New York) with 3D maps, allowing you to see attractions without having to actually go there. Many people love the way Flyover mode works (a bit like augmented reality AR technology). When you move the phone, the view will change accordingly, making you feel like it's really there.

There are some moving objects in Flyover - such as the London Eye. Although not particularly useful, they give you a glimpse of how interactive maps will grow in the next few years.

On the other hand, Google Maps comes with a host of additional features - with the main feature being Google Street View. Street View revolutionized this service when deployed and allowed people to get a detailed street level view of where they were going, giving them a better idea of ​​where they were going.

Do not stop at directions, users find it possible to explore locations around the world, so this service still attracts a lot of interest after its launch. You can even get Google Street View data inside certain buildings, such as Euston station, to make it easier for people to find shops and restaurants.

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If you compare these two map services before, then Google has surpassed Apple in every way. But Apple Maps has improved a lot in the past and gradually catches up with its competitors in almost every aspect. To be fair, many users feel Apple's step-by-step navigation feature might be a little better.

Google Maps is still the favorite choice for local search, because the list that this app offers is more informative and, in subjective thinking, seems to create more attractive options.

Although there are areas where both Google and Apple can improve in the future, it is certain that using Apple Maps will not drive you to the wrong location and most of the original problems in the application. has been overcome. Your final decision may result in aesthetic difference between the interfaces or based on whether you see Street View or Flyover with a more attractive AR experience.

Wish you find yourself the right choice!

Kareem Winters

Update 29 May 2019