Adventures and Misadventures: Navigating with Google Maps

Google Maps contribution stories
1

I’m not sure which category to place this thread in.

Life is made easier with Google Maps; numerous times, the app has helped me reach my desired destination. However, it has also led me into trouble on many occasions. I’ve gotten lost several times in the middle of nowhere, thanks to Google Maps.

When you set a destination, the app calculates the shortest distance. But it doesn’t always consider whether the shortest route is a commonly used road.

Once, while in Bali, I was riding a motorbike from Kuta to Karangasem. Everything was fine during the one-hour ride until suddenly I entered a village while still following the map, only to find myself at a dead end. I had to cross a river, and there was no bridge in sight. I was scared, so I turned back and chose a different road. After completing my business, I returned to Kuta and used the map once again. This time, it led me into the jungle on a narrow, slippery, and dark road with very few vehicles passing by. This was certainly not a common road.

Here’s another story: I was heading from Ngawi city center to Jamus Tea Plantation. I set the destination, and once again, the map caused me trouble. It directed me to the nearest point, but the road conditions were terrible, with no asphalt and winding through villages. I had been to Jamus Tea Plantation before, and I remember the road being in good condition with smooth asphalt.

I have plenty of stories about how the map has gotten me into trouble.

I wish Google Maps could recognize when a road is not a commonly used one and not just calculate the shortest distance. Sometimes, the less-traveled roads are narrow and in poor condition

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2

Hi @AlidAbdul

Your post would fit better in the How to section. Kindly move it there.

As a good Local Guide you can actually fix the problems you encountered. Here is how:

I suggest you provide feedback about the incorrect navigation step using a desktop computer.

This link will explain how to do so.

Cue up directions so the faulty step will show up.

Then select Send feedback which is found at the bottom of the map (not the left panel).

Then click on the flag by the faulty navigation step.

Then select Problem type. Then you can add some notes.

Use the notes to explain in apparent detail what the problem is. Please specify the exact GPS coordinates where relevant. Also, include deep links to Google Streetview if applicable. The more clear details, the better.

It can take 2-3 weeks before changes show on the map. Google will not notify you about the result. Just check the map once a week or so.

All the best

Morten