Google Maps has now added road incident reporting to iOS devices. The new feature will drastically expand the number of users that can report on traffic issues, which will improve the platform's ability to provide up to date information. Additionally, Google has increased the number of different issues that can be included in road incident reporting. The list now includes construction, disabled cars, lane closures as well as objects on the road.
The Waze navigation app, which is owned by Google, has had reporting features on it for some time, and Google has now optimized the features to be included on Google Maps.
As more users report traffic incidents, the platform can better inform other users, meaning more traffic information will help the platform predict traffic.
User-Generated Traffic Reporting
Google Maps Has Released Road Incident Reporting for iOS Devices
Trend Themes
1. Expanded User-generated Traffic Reporting - The ability for Google Maps users to report road incidents on iOS devices will lead to an increase in real-time traffic information.
2. Enhanced Road Incident Reporting Features - The addition of construction, disabled cars, lane closures, and objects on the road to Google Maps' reporting features will provide a more comprehensive picture of traffic incidents.
3. Integration of Reporting Features Across Google Apps - The inclusion of the reporting features from Waze into Google Maps will streamline the process of reporting and gathering traffic information for users.
Industry Implications
1. Navigation Apps - Navigation app developers can explore the integration of user-generated traffic reporting features to provide more accurate and up-to-date traffic information.
2. Smartphone Operating Systems - Companies developing smartphone operating systems can consider incorporating road incident reporting features to enhance the functionality of their navigation applications.
3. Transportation Infrastructure Management - Transportation agencies and organizations can take advantage of user-generated traffic reporting to improve their management of road incidents and provide more efficient traffic flow.