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Why Nukemap Isn't on Google Maps Anymore (blog.nuclearsecrecy.com)

787 points by Fej · 2496 days ago · 289 comments on HN

Article summary

The article discusses why Nukemap is no longer on Google Maps, but the article text is not available. The discussion revolves around the limitations and advantages of Google Maps and OpenStreetMap (OSM). Google Maps has a strong business moat, but OSM is becoming a viable alternative. The switch from Google Maps to OSM has led to noticeable quality drops in some applications, such as Pokémon Go.

Main themes

  • Google Maps vs OpenStreetMap
  • Mapping limitations
  • Business moat
  • Competition and innovation
  • Crowdsourcing and user contributions

What commenters say

  • Google Maps has a strong business moat that makes competition difficult, but OpenStreetMap is becoming a viable alternative.
  • The quality of OpenStreetMap data is not yet on par with Google Maps, particularly in certain regions or applications.
  • Some users argue that OpenStreetMap's crowdsourcing model allows for easier contributions and corrections, while others point out that this model can also lead to inaccuracies and manipulation.
  • The switch from Google Maps to OpenStreetMap has led to noticeable quality drops in some applications, such as Pokémon Go, due to the differences in data quality and coverage.
  • Google Maps' pricing changes and limitations are creating opportunities for competitors to enter the market and offer alternative mapping solutions.
  • The accuracy and completeness of mapping data can vary greatly depending on the region, with some areas having better coverage on Google Maps and others on OpenStreetMap.
  • While some users appreciate the ability to contribute to OpenStreetMap, others find it impractical or unrealistic to expect average users to edit and correct mapping data.
  • The discussion highlights the trade-offs between the convenience and ease of use of Google Maps and the potential benefits of OpenStreetMap's open and crowdsourced approach.