Why is There no "Easy" Map Feedback Mechanism?

Friday, December 7. 2007

Why is There no "Easy" Map Feedback Mechanism?

"Because there is no easy mechanism for users to provide feedback to the mapmakers, any change in traffic flow is often not identified until the next drive through, sometimes as late as three years later."

That's from the McClatchy-Tribune papers, as published in the Edmonton Journal. This suggests that Map Reporter (NAVTEQ) and MapInsight (Tele Atlas) are not "easy." Why do we not have an easy solution yet? Why is it not yet a priority for these companies?

Posted by Adena Schutzberg in Navigation at 14:46 | Comments (8)

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It's not "hard", it is just that any process that involves a trip to your computer is too disruptive, too much work. It's "hard" in terms of effort, not in terms of complexity.

The correction needs to happen right in the flow of discovering the error.

This is why TomTom picking up TeleAtlas and Nokia picking up NavTeq is going to change the data quality game, because you'll be able to submit the correction directly from your device, right when and where you observe it, and the device itself will be able to contextualize your correction by also feeding back your position.

#1 Paul Ramsey (Link) on 2007-12-07 15:14 (Reply)

That's interesting, Paul -- considering I noticed ads running across my page today from Tele Atlas requesting participation to improve their maps.

Adena, isn't Tele Atlas a client?

#1.1 Daniel (Link) on 2007-12-07 19:08 (Reply)

I work as a contractor to Tele Atlas.

#1.1.1 Adena Schutzberg (Link) on 2007-12-08 08:39 (Reply)

Would you then have any insight as to how the new Tele Atlas 'crowd-sourcing' system works that they're marketing?

#1.1.1.1 Daniel (Link) on 2007-12-08 11:10 (Reply)

No, I have no such insight. I can point you this article in Directions. It explains how NAVTEQ's Map Reporter works. As you can see Tele Atlas chose not to respond.
http://www.directionsmag.com/article.php?article_id=2576&trv=1

#1.1.1.1.1 Adena Schutzberg (Link) on 2007-12-08 12:41 (Reply)

Paul,

Sure, but you have to admit until then, they could make these easier to use - maybe use IP addresses to select your country for starters? Maybe advertise them better via their partners? Or maybe they are just "lip service" and they don't want all that much input?

John

#2 John Prine on 2007-12-07 15:29 (Reply)

Navteq map reporter does select you home country. At least it does for me (Canada).

I've submitted 30-50 issues on Navteq reporter in the last year and frankly I think they (Navteq) have doene a fairly good job with their map reporter system. I make North America wide maps for GPS tracking so I run into minor map issues all over the place. Sure, any system can be improved. But you've got to start somewhere.

Nick

#2.1 Nick Harrison on 2007-12-10 14:56 (Reply)

AND Automotive Navigation Data, an independent map maker, is experimenting with making the feedback more user friendly. This using the Web 2.0 principles. See www.map20.org and http://www.navigatieevent.com/pdf/and_oldenhof.pdf

#3 Scott on 2007-12-19 04:09 (Reply)

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