Meta, Microsoft, Amazon release open map dataset to rival Google and Apple

techcrunch.com

57 points·pwmtr··8 comments

This is the best case of "competition is good for consumers" I've seen. Google Maps has such a head start compared to anyone else, and is the de facto way many people navigate; Apple Maps has only been able to catch up in the US thanks to the dominance of iPhones.

Because of this, rather than trying to compete on the same playing field, their competitors just gave it away completely free for anyone to build off of. I'm not sure I've seen anything quite like this before, but, as someone who has no substantial stake in any of the listed companies, I'm happy to see it.

In 2007, there was https://blog.openstreetmap.org/2007/07/04/and-donate-entire-...

AND donate entire Netherlands to OpenStreetMap

“Automotive Navigation Data” (AND) [since renamed GeoJunxion] is a leading provider of location, routing, mapping and address management are donating a street network of the entire Netherlands. Yes, an entire country.

A tiny part of the globe, but I think under a better license because, IMO, 100% compatibility with OpenStreetMap is very important.

Yeah, but on the other hand, your competitors can also use that data.

currently: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=36879461

[dupe]

More discussion over here: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=36879461

on the topic of Google Maps alternatives, does anyone use OsmAnd?

All the time. I don't even have google maps on my phone.

Directions, gps tracks, waypoints work really well. Searching does not work well at all

And with all 3 combined you get 2007 Google Maps

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