Apple Maps

[llambda]

Interesting that this seems to redirect to Google Maps for me although we can infer with some degree of certainty that Apple has some future plans for this subdomain.

Apropos to Apple's shift to Open Street Map I feel both excited and apprehensive: for instance someone pointed out to me that the new maps won't display transit information (or don't currently, we'll have to see what happens after iOS 6 is launched) but at the same time I'm happy to see OSM gaining traction.

Edit, here's what dig tells us:

    ; <<>> DiG 9.7.3-P3 <<>> maps.apple.com
    ;; global options: +cmd
    ;; Got answer:
    ;; ->>HEADER<<- opcode: QUERY, status: NOERROR, id: 742
    ;; flags: qr rd ra; QUERY: 1, ANSWER: 3, AUTHORITY: 0, ADDITIONAL: 0

    ;; QUESTION SECTION:
    ;maps.apple.com.			IN	A

    ;; ANSWER SECTION:
    maps.apple.com.		2918	IN	CNAME   gsps28.ls.apple.com.
    gsps28.ls.apple.com.	219	IN	CNAME	gsps28.isg-apple.com.akadns.net.
    gsps28.isg-apple.com.akadns.net. 272 IN	A	17.174.2.104

[ConstantineXVI]

It's only partially OSM based, the Maps app cites TomTom and a few other providers in addition to OSM. At least for my city, OSM is showing a few roads Apple doesn't.

[alxp]

Whoever was speaking at the time (Forstall?) mentioned that they would showcase existing 3rd-party transit apps. Taking a look at the sketchy VTA, BART and CalTrain apps I've tried this is not an adequate replacement. Hopefully there'll be a way to access Google's maps through the web or a Google app.

[nodesocket]

Bit worried if honestly Apple maps can ever stack up to Google. We use directions with public transportation all the time, and if that's missing from Apple maps, it will be a significant decrease in experience.

[frankus]

I think we'll have a Google Maps iOS app in short order. They'll have to do some hardcore OpenGL hacking (reimplement CATiledLayer) to get it working as smoothly as the current maps app without using private APIs though (cf. https://github.com/frankus/NetPhotoScroller)

[rplnt]

If I remember correctly the Apple maps are/will be based on Openstreetmap project. If that's the cas, and Apple will provide content to the open community then I think it's great idea they are moving on from Google. But with Apple's history in basically everything my hopes for them helping the Openstreetmaps are low.

[purephase]

It is odd. It is missing but the icon is still there in the app. It looks like it simply lists apps available in the app store that provide routing services (none are displayed though).

Walking directions work.

Also, the maps are (IMO) significantly worse in quality than Google Maps. Turn by turn is nice though. Something that Google Maps should have implemented a long time ago.

It will interesting to see what the Google Maps app introduces and whether Apple accepts it.

[idspispopd]

I'd say initially it will be substandard in some ways, noting a lack of streetview for example, however it's very likely to receive constant updates to bring it into feature parity. Interestingly (or rather) surprisingly Apple maps already has 20M more business listings than Google. Apple maintaining robust business listings is required by Maps and Siri, which currently is lacking business listings outside of the USA. (The two are also an obvious pair for the user.)

Both Google(Where2, ZipDash, Keyhole, Endoxon, ImageAmerica, Quiksee & Zagat) and Apple(Placebase, Poly9 & C3) have formed their mapping arms via acquisitions. Both companies are large and well resourced enough to innovate here. It's looking good for both platforms.

[georgespencer]

This isn't news. The redirect has been in place for a while. I posted a link to exactly this a few hours ago before digging around and finding that it's been up there for a while.

[twog]

This is redirecting to google maps for me

[Kylekramer]

Pointing that fact out is the point of the post, I believe. Interesting that it does that. The new Maps app would definitely benefit from Apple releasing a website, for emailing directions and desktop browsing and such, but it also isn't exactly Apple's forte.

[fwr]

That's the joke.

[akshat]

I am really skeptical about Apple Maps. Maybe they can get data as good as Google. Maybe they can even do directions as well as Google.

I think they will falter on one of the most important parts though. Google Maps has a fantastic search. If it does not match up, then it will definitely by an issue.

[nailer]

In London Apple Maps on iOS 6 beta are nowhere near beta level. From my Twitter feed today, many including screenshots:

- Streets are shown as numbers, American style. 'A405' rather than Old Kent Rd. Nobody in the UK uses these numbers for directions, or knows what the numbers are beyond 2 or 3 main highways. Nobody will ever say A405 in conversation. The numbers are useless, and the names aren't shown.

- No tube stations are shown

- The water is missing from parts of the Thames

- Searching for 'Bank Tube' takes you to Bank, Azerbaijan.

[nachteilig]

Actually, the current Maps app uses Apple's location database as far as I know. In fact, when Apple announced the switch I noticed a significant decrease in the usefulness of searching inside the maps app.

[xtractinator]

Doesn't matter. Apple maps needs flash to be displayed. iPhones don't support flash. Everyone who uses Apple machines has no choice unless they want to use a 3rd party app that isn't integrated into Siri and iCloud.

[frankus]

If they can get it working correctly with multitouch trackpad gestures I'll be stoked.

[seanponeil]

Full link: maps.apple.com

[shellox]

redirect to maps.google.com

Maybe it just works in the USA?

[skibrah]

over under on the time that it takes for this to be changed?