Google Maps has now become an important part of my daily life and I am sure of millions others. I use it to know how much time it will take to reach a particular destination, what is the traffic situation and possible alternative routes.
I used it almost 10 years ago when I traveled from Navi Mumbai to Aurangabad. Back then, I also took a print of the directions (just in case the mobile connectivity became an issue).
The other thing I remember from then is the maps guiding me off the clear highway into villages with roads ‘moon crater sized’ potholes filled roads.
I mean I wasn’t looking for a camel ride but I got one for free. Not to mention all the scare my family felt in the dark.
I could not understand then why the navigation was so?
I was tolerant then since it still did a decent job as a tool. I also expected it to improve with time.
Now, here we are 10 years hence (year 2022) and Maps is still pushing me into small streets, which can hardly take one car. If there is another one coming from the opposite side, you had it. My car recently got bruised badly in such a situation.
Why are you doing that Maps?
I have probably figured out the biggest problem with Google Maps.
The problem is that the only thing Maps tries to optimize is time.
Hello, I have NEVER ever used Maps to help me find the route that takes the least time.
I have ALWAYS used it to figure out the directions and lately, to look at the traffic situation. I am NOT concerned about saving time as much as getting the correct route to a place I am not familiar with. I want to reach there without getting lost.
That’s it. I don’t want shortcuts that save me a few seconds or minutes.
Hence, my request to ‘Google Maps’ is to focus on this EXPERIENCE.
Or, at least give the option for choosing experience over time. I don’t my heart sinking everytime with a unexpected turn into a small lane.
I am happy driving a few minutes extra on a good, clean, broad road, always.
I hope you are listening.
Is there a better alternative – just in case, Google Maps is not interested?
The post Google Maps – I have a problem. appeared first on Vipin Khandelwal.
