So Google has finally gotten around to making sure both the Google Maps API and the Google Local Search API are using the same underlying data.
Google Maps has now switched their map data provision completely over to TeleAtlas from Navteq. Now the google Maps, the Google API and the Google Maps for Mobile all use the same underlying data. This switch was only a matter of time given Nokia aquisition of Navteq
I’m curious to see if the change will affect any mapping applications out there that were using the Navteq data given that TeleAtlas and Nokia Navteq are probably different. Time for Peter Batty to revisit his Google Maps vs Google Local Search blog posts.
17 Comments
Arrrgh! Now GMaps be just as wrong as Google Earth! Now the buried treasure will never be found.
This be a bad day me harties.
Hii…….. I dont know about how works the map in mobil ………..
My forum traffic went down due to many of the members being lost using the new Google Maps
Since the switch my street disappeared. It is 4 years old. Google’s answer is that I should add my street back manually. Rrrr…
This is a huge step back for Google.
Lucky me ! My complete neighborhood has been refreshed and updated since Google switched to Teleatlas. Same positive news from relatives and friends too!!
Well, Steve and his friends must be living near TA’s or Googles HQ. I’m only hearing negative stories, not only from friends and family, but also on every blog I come across! What a mistake to switch to Tele Atlas!
Does anyone have any contact info for Google maps? Since the switch over to Tele Atlas, I am finding many errors and would like to get them fixed. I tried calling the main line in California but couldn’t get anyone.
Thanks!
Katie,
You would have to contact TeleAtlas to report all their errors. Google won’t do anything to fix the maps.
http://mapinsight.teleatlas.com/mapfeedback/index.php
Granted, what are the odds they make changes in a timely manner.. and how often does Google update… it could be a year or more for changes to show up (a guess on the time frame), IF they show up.
What a sad day. I had been complaining to anyone who would listen that the 2 mapping solutions were out of synch. I had hoped that Google would use what seems to me the more up to dat Navteq data, but oh no. So mapping is set back several years.
I guess I will bite the bullet and stop using Google Maps and use the Microsoft equivalent.
Unbelievable. I worked so hard in March 2008 to get our new development mapped and now the streets are all gone again. Unable to contact anyone. I just keep reporting it and getting a number that its accepted. IT LOOKS LIKE ITS RUN BY THE GOVERNMENT!!!!!!
If the switch was the other way you would hear the same comments. Testing doesn’t show any great difference
No you would not hear the same comments if the switch were the other way around. It has been a known fact for years that Navteq data has been better, more reliable, with fewer errors and omissions, in comparison to TeleAtlas. Things may be different in Europe, but in USA/Canada this is still the case.
I wish all the power to TeleAtlas, and I truly hope that within few short years they improve their data to the level of Navteq, or they may even surpass Navteq.
Actually I’ve seen much better results in Google Maps since the switch.
I guess it probably does just depend on which site has done a better job in your own area. As it happens TA is terrible in my area, while NavTeq was/is pretty good. Of course most of the time I don’t need to use mapping software in my immediate area! However the way we tend to generalize seems to be, “I will use the service on something I am really familiar with to see how much I can trust it before using it in anger.” That is not necessarily going to lead me t the best result, but I don’t have other criteria to judge by. Now there’s an opportunity for some clever people. Ranking of mapping tools by geo areas….Looks like too much work for me though!
Both mapping companies seem to have really good maps in high populated areas like New York City and Chicago. It makes sense for them to pour more resources in to those areas because they are destinations that are more sought out. That’s not to say that rural locations aren’t sought out, but cities are their highest priority. When you get in to less populated areas, it’s hit or miss with both companies.
Thanks
wish all the power to TeleAtlas, and I truly hope that within few short years they improve their data to the level of Navteq, or they may even surpass Navteq.
So here comes the question: If we are to switch, what do we switch too?