Issue 15: Google Maps needs a comprehensive, timely process for updating its Cycling layer
Summary: Cyclists and cycling groups typically spend years lobbying for new cycling infrastructure before it ever gets added. Yet, when it does finally get delivered it does not systematically get updated on Google Maps Cycling layer. Key sections of cycling routes can take years to be updated on Google Maps and often only in piecemeal fashion as individuals report corrections one at a time.Google Maps appears to manage comprehensive and timely processes for updating road and transit changes. New train stations are added without delay. And there is a standardised process for synchronising transit schedules. Likewise, road changes affecting driving are rarely left out-of-date for long.
Transport equity demands that cycling and walking updates are also managed in a comprehensive, systematic and timely way. Google shouldn't rely solely on the effectiveness (or lack thereof) of government agencies. There are alternate ways to ensure changes to key cycling routes are updated quickly and effectively.
Google Maps also needs an effective process for submitting, validating and fully correcting map errors - like removing Dedicated lanes that don't exist, accurately representing Bicycle-friendly roads, and fixing wrong Cycling directions. It currently has suspended its Map Maker editing in most countries, and most corrections submitted via "Send feedback" are not implemented at all. Of the few corrections that are implemented, many aren't fixed comprehensively.
Details:
1. Google Maps should work with the most reliable sources in each city of information on cycling infrastructure and recommended routes
In Victoria, changes that should be reflected in Google Maps Cycling layer come from:
- One of 79 Local Government Associations (LGAs) who manage local roads (See: Victorian Local Government Map)
- VicRoads the state government agency that manages all major roads
- Parks Victoria typically in combination with specific LGAs who manage most of the green spaces with shared walking and cycling paths
In my experience, none of these agencies is conscientious about ensuring their cycling infrastructure is represented comprehensively and updated quickly in Google Maps Cycling layer. Some LGAs are much better than others. VicRoads is typically terrible. About Parks Victoria, I'm not sure.
The best organisation in Victoria for Google to work with is Bicycle Network which has a large membership and budget and has been tracking changes to cycling routes for several years.
There are also a handful of passionate cycling mapping individuals in most cities who Google can readily identify and work with to fill gaps and validate status.
See:
> Bicycle Network: VIC - Metro Routes
2. Examples of key cycling infrastructure changes that have yet to make it to Google Maps Cycling layer
Precisely because there is no effective, timely process for making updates, it is easy to demonstrate the failings of the current process by simply reviewing some of the changes to key cycling routes tracked here: Bicycle Network: VIC - Metro Routes
2a, Lloyd St Upgrade connecting Dynon Rd to Arden St (8 Oct 2015)
Lloyd St bike lanes were added in Oct 2015 but have yet to make it to Google Maps.
The two-way path now continues around into Lloyd Street, a route an increasing number of riders are taking to link through into Arden Street, North Melbourne...
The two-way path ends along Lloyd where it becomes a one way route on each side the the street. The City of Melbourne has placed an innovative new crossing at the point where the two way design ends.
Dynon Rd - Lloyd St Upgrade
In reality, Lloyd St has had bike lanes for years and these have been recently upgraded. Google Street View even shows the old bike lanes:
3. Google Maps also needs an effective process for submitting, validating and fully correcting map errors
Google Map Maker is a map editing web app that could be used directly by end users to submit, review and approve map edits. Unfortunately, Google shut down its use due to spam edits and has been very slow in reopening it. Australia has been on hold since the first 51 countries had it reopened in August 2015.
While the new process for validating edits more effectively adds "Regional Leads", the rollout has been extremely slow for almost all countries after the first 51. It seems most people who applied to be Regional Leads were never contacted at all (I certainly wasn't). And while Map Maker still iinvites users to apply to be a Regional Lead the application form is actually closed:
See:
> Google Maps Help - Regional Leads program
In the meantime, users with no access to Map Maker can report errors and needed updates directly from Google Maps using the bottom right link: Send feedback > Report a data problem
After you report a data problem you get an automated confirmation email like this:
I have reported many errors and issues since Feb 2016 and as of July 2016 can advise that only one report was followed up with confirmation that a correction was made. These emails look like this:
However, even if an update is made to Google Maps it may not completely resolve the reported issue. In my case regarding Newry St (see: Issue 19: Google Maps Cycling Directions should show accurate and practical routes through intersections) the issue was not just that the Cycling Directions were wrong but that the Cycling layer should show a green bike connection line at Newry St and Nicholson St to indicate that it is an east-west bike route.
While the Cycling Directions are now fixed, the Cycling layer still doesn't show a Bicycle-friendly east-west connecting line - as it does at the various other intersections on this complete east-west bike route.
Because the majority of my reported Cycling layer and Cycling direction issues have not been fixed (even partially), I now create specific posts for most of my reported issues. These all contain a Status field which indicates on what date the issue was reported to Google Maps and whether it has been fixed yet.
Further Info:
Google Maps Help
> Steps to report an error on the map
> Regional Leads program
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