Apple wants to solve the problem of map service. It has a long way to go.

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Foreign media recently published an analysis article saying that for Apple, it wants to fix its own map service. What the company has to do is far more than collecting user feedback. The article pointed out that Apple lacks a streetscape team like Google and does not have its own cartographer. The company created a new set of maps by authorizing data from partners such as TomTom, and combined all the data. It is a complex task that tends to go wrong during the execution process.

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In response to criticism of the latest map applications for mobile devices, Apple CEO Tim · Tim Cook has apologized last week, acknowledging that the company has failed to meet the standards in terms of map services; but industry experts point out that Cook did not imply that Apple is facing it now. The real scale of the repair work.

Cook pointed out that user feedback will play a role in Apple's problem of repairing map services. “ The more users use our map service, the better the service will become. We are very grateful for all the feedback you have provided. & rdquo; Cook said in a letter to Apple users.

But what Apple needs is far more than user feedback. Apple is facing a very large problem —— in particular, millions of location markers deviate from the correct location —— this requires Apple to need new data sources and to facilitate the repair of problems more easily In addition, Apple will need to have enough map modifiers in the scattered areas that are scattered. Experts point out that for now, there is little evidence that Apple is taking these measures.

There are ways to help Apple automate such programs, for example, Apple will benefit from analyzing what people are searching for. For example, if a search fails to get accurate results, then “Apple” can mark this search as a possible error in the database —— there may be address error, point of interest error, or geometry Structural errors, etc. "The total of the map service consultant TeleMapics, Michael · Michael Dobson said.

In addition, Apple can benefit by pointing out where people are using maps. Dobson pointed out that Apple can prioritize the mistakes that you want to fix. When people use the Apple Maps service, they automatically provide a GPS trail that may help correct road location information. However, this method will not help to solve the problems related to the repair of interest point information.

Apple has provided users with an interface to report problems, but this company does not have as good tools as Google Map Maker, a browser-based tool that allows users to edit maps on Google Maps. characteristic.

 Google has found a way to integrate active & lsquo; crowd out & rsquo;, while Apple has not yet reached this level. "Dobson said that he predicts that if special and part-time workers are included, then Google has 5,000 to 7,000 people responsible for solving map-related problems. “I think that for the moment, Apple’s people responsible for map issues will not exceed 200 people. "He said, "Apple may try, but they are sure that there is no system that can support this kind of wholesale & rsquo; nature of mass outsourcing. ”

In addition, Apple lacks a fleet like Google. So far, the team’s global journey has reached 5 million miles (about 9.05 million kilometers), and Google uses the team to capture GPS traces of the streets and pictures of buildings —— in many cases, This team will record the direction logo on the street and the company's name and address, which will be automatically converted to information on Google Maps.

In addition to Cook's statement, Apple did not comment on its map service. It is said that Google is developing a standalone version of Google Maps for the iPhone and iPad, but Google has not made any comment on this, only that the company wants to ensure that all users can use Google Maps.

In the issue of Apple Maps service, some problems are easier to solve than others. Among them, the widely reported bridges and highways are clearly “disappeared”; the missing screenshots are among the smallest: Dobson said that the problem stems from mathematical errors that distort the projection of satellite photos. Similarly, satellite photos that are obscured by cloud cover can also be resolved with better data sets.

The most serious problem —— is undoubtedly a problem in progress —— is related to the point of interest. In addition to businesses, point of interest information includes signs for schools, hospitals, parks, police stations, and fire stations.

Reports on missing or misplaced marks on Apple Maps have suddenly sprung up around the world, which is a serious problem because people often want to search for points of interest by name rather than by address; If the point of interest is in the wrong place, then the direction and even the map itself becomes useless.

Digital map expert Skeller · Schuyler Erle said there are at least 100 million companies worldwide, with a maximum of 300 million. Oller is a co-author of map-related books such as Google Maps Hacks and one of the donors of the open source project OpenStreetMap, which aims to build a globally-received database. He said: “There is a huge amount of data to collect —— address, phone number, business category and business hours, and so on. ”

Even at the best of times, it's hard to get everything done with precision. Oller said that a study showed that in San Francisco, 10% of companies would change positions, close or open in just one year. “You really have to run non-stop to ensure accuracy. & rdquo; He said.

Apple's corrective interface does not allow users to make actual and effective edits, but only gives choices: "The information is incorrect", "The location is incorrect", "The location does not exist", “ My question is not listed, and so on, there is also a form for the user to suggest how to modify. Google Map Maker allows users to make more detailed manual edits using an editing interface like Wikipedia.

“‘People Outsourcing & rsquo; may be very powerful, but it is difficult to manage an effective system. ” Dobson said. Map makers need to trust and verify data, and have enough volunteers —— this means people need to actually use these maps.

Cook showed his magnanimity in the letter, he said: "Although we are trying to improve the map service, you can still download other map applications such as Bing, MapQuest and Waze from the App Store to try other The choice, or use Google Maps or Nokia Maps, by logging into their website and creating an icon on your main display that points to its online application. & rdquo;

When Google launched its map service in 2005, the company had encountered similar problems. Google has obtained basic data from companies such as Navteq (now similar to Nokia) and Taleatias (now affiliated with it) through authorization; but after suffering from the mistakes of these data, Google launched its famous The Street View project uses a sensor-equipped car to create its own basic map.

Apple lacks a fleet like Google and does not have its own cartographer. The company created a whole new set of maps by authorizing data from partners such as TomTom. Dobson said that combining all of that data is a complex task that tends to go wrong during execution.

Oller said that Apple's strength has always been reflected in the fact that this company can make things simple —& now; what Apple needs is a super simple editing interface. “That's what Apple is doing —— their cornerstone is to develop rock-solid, reliable technology and then make it easy to use. & rdquo; He said.