I’m a little late mentioning this, but…
The best part about this new dataset is that we’ve been able to add a lot of new, detailed information to Google Maps – information that helps people better explore and get around the real world. For example, college students will be pleased to see maps of many campuses; and cyclists will now find many more trails and paths to explore. Soon we even plan on providing you with biking directions to take advantage of this new data. Of course, in the true Google spirit of “launch and iterate,” we plan to work with more data sources to add new features in the map.
To the left is a snapshot from Google Maps showing a section of the Galloway Creek Greenway. You can see railroad bed and the trail — a portion rendered as a dotted line. I’m assuming Google will get around to naming this trail, and our other greenways, for inclusion in their upcoming bicycle route feature.
What would really be cool is if Google can incorporate data about the Springfield bicycle route system. While the greenways are wonderful parks and great places to ride, the point of them is recreation not transportation.
Comments 2
It would be great if there was a feature where Google could determine a best route for cycling by determining indirect but efficient routes that avoided main roads, including using the Route system as it exists here and elsewhere. If Google Maps can make determinations for a trip avoiding highways and create a best route for walking, you think it could do that for cyclists.
Posted 13 Oct 2009 at 1:57 pm ¶I noticed some of our trials are finally showing up on Google Maps. It would be cool if the database included connector paths. Most of the existing ones require local knowledge to find them. Knowing a connector path exists can mean the difference between using a pleasant route and a busy route… or as Nate says, finding an efficient quiet route vs riding 2 or 3 miles out of your way to avoid the main traffic sewer.
Posted 13 Oct 2009 at 2:27 pm ¶