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this post was submitted on 12 May 2025
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Fuck AI
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Fuck AI, but also... A subscription for maps?
Edit: to clarify, my then-precaffeinated brain thought this meant for a single map at a time (like a PDF), not something that gets continuously updated
If you want a bunch of data no one else has, you’re entitled to charge for it. From looking at their site, they’re a historical/statistical map provider which is data that you won’t find through Google/Apple/OSM’s public data.
Another modern example, back country and overlanding routes. There's a decent amount of work and danger that goes into it, and not enough public interest for the big dogs to warrant mapping out the paths-less-traveled.
I get GPX routes and roll maps from TAT and BDR because these trails are not even on OpenStreetMaps.
Incredible
Indeed, it is! I've not done the entire red route in one go yet, but I've done several different pieces of it from VA to UT.
And once you're done with or bored of TAT, you can go to Europe and ride the TET. https://transeurotrail.org/
Yes, there's some old stuff archived out there for free, but it's very limited and hit or miss. People who have collected a decent digital archive of things you would have found in a library decades ago deserve to make some money for their service.
Worth noting that OpenHistoricalMap does exist: https://www.openhistoricalmap.org/
Entirely plausible and even probable, though, that a commercial site has more historical map data than OHM does.
Not really a new thing. Before GPS was in everyone's pocket, you had to get specialized devices. The companies that made those generally gave you 1 free World Map download (or in some cases only your region for free), but future updates or expansions to it would cost a non-trivial amount.
I'm honestly surprised that one of the big players hasn't tried to offer some sort of premium map subscription now that I think about it, though.
ETA: also, physical maps and atlases could be purchased on subscriptions through mail-in stuffs before the internet
Mapquest was revolutionary for offering free driving directions where previously that cost money and was usually only worth paying for on major road trips. Google took that and supercharged it by offering free directions on your phone, joining a growing list of products where they took something that used to cost money and offering it for “free” in exchange for all your information.
Would we have to lose these great features?
No, you would just have to start paying for the maps. They'd never do something so cursed as to take that away from you!
Ads are the least of Google maps problems. They are terrible at detailing lesser known roads. Google maps are good at car navigation and commercial POIs, but for things like hiking they are awful. It kind of baffles me, because they could have the most detailed maps if they would use location data. If 100 devices passed certain spot, there most likely is a road.
Or a traffic jam!
hehe yeah, do you think they at least adjust routes to commercial points of interest if 1000 people navigate somewhere and e.g. always stop a block away from where the map said? or always make a right when the map told them to take a left (but the city planted a tree there)?
Yeah fuck that! They should instead provide the maps for free but inject ads into them. Looking for the kingdom of Ma-i? Well now it's right next to the Sultanate of Squarespace.