Why Google Maps Has Not Invested Heavily in Trails for Hiking and Running
Google Maps has made significant efforts to include trails and outdoor recreational areas, yet its primary focus has traditionally been on urban navigation and roadways. In this article, we delve into the reasons behind the relatively limited emphasis on trails for hiking and running, and explore the potential for future developments in this area.
Urban Focus
Google Maps was initially designed to cater to the needs of urban navigation, encompassing amenities such as streets, businesses, and public transportation. Most users seek driving, walking, and public transit directions within city environments. This urban-centric approach forms the backbone of the platform's user experience.
Data Availability and Standards
The information regarding hiking trails and remote locations is often less standardized and more challenging to obtain compared to road data. Providing accurate and up-to-date trail information requires robust data collection and management systems. This presents a significant barrier for Google Maps, especially considering the vast and varied landscape of outdoor spaces.
Specialized Platforms
There are numerous specialized applications and platforms dedicated to outdoor activities, such as AllTrails, Strava, and Komoot. These platforms are designed specifically to cater to the detailed needs of hikers, runners, and other outdoor enthusiasts. As a result, Google may prioritize enhancing its existing urban navigation features rather than competing with these niche services.
User Demand and Engagement
The demand for detailed trail information is not as high as for urban navigation. Google prioritizes features that serve the largest segments of their user base. While the interest in outdoor activities is growing, the current user base may not yet justify the extensive resources required to fully integrate comprehensive trail data into the platform.
Integration Challenges
Integrating detailed trail information with existing map data is a complex task. It requires not only mapping the trails but also providing information on terrain difficulty and other features relevant to hikers and runners. The complexity of this task can deter even the largest tech companies from dedicating significant resources to this area.
Current Enhancements and Future Prospects
Despite the challenges, Google Maps has introduced some useful features. For instance, users can now view terrain in 3D by selecting the ‘Terrain’ option under the three horizontal bar menu in the upper left corner. However, the elevation contour lines and trail information disappear when zoomed in too closely. An example of this can be seen in the Bonneville Trail in the Wasatch Mountain foothills around Salt Lake City, Utah. This terrain view likely stems from a LiDAR survey that has been conducted for the area.
Given the detailed terrain data in the screen grab, it is reasonable to assume that this information is based on a LiDAR survey. However, like any map or digital representation, there may be some limitations in terms of accuracy. It is important to ground-truth any specific area of interest to ensure the highest level of accuracy.
As user interest in outdoor activities continues to grow and technology advances, it is possible that Google Maps may invest more resources into enhancing its trail navigation features. The integration of detailed trail data with the platform could significantly benefit both existing and new users, making outdoor navigation more efficient and enjoyable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Google Maps has made strides in enhancing outdoor navigation features, the relatively limited focus on trails for hiking and running can be attributed to various factors such as urban-centric design, data challenges, and the rise of specialized platforms. However, with increasing user demand and technological advancements, it is likely that we will see more improvements in this area in the future. Whether you are a hiker, runner, or simply enjoy outdoor activities, staying informed about the latest updates and features can enhance your experience on Google Maps.