A Norwegian game researcher named Helga Dis Isfold Sigurdardottir recently got lost in a forest in Spain while she was with her husband and a friend. They struggled to find their way back because the paths didn’t show up on Google Maps. Google Maps mainly collects data from vehicles, often missing lesser-known paths in natural areas, unlikePokémon Go.
As reported byNRKand posted onReddit, Sigurdardottir and her friends became disoriented among a maze of small, unlabeled paths that Google Maps didn’t recognize. After searching for two hours without success, Sigurdardottir decided to use thePokémon GOapp. To their surprise, the map in the game showed the trails in the forest much more accurately than Google Maps did. By following these paths generated by the game, they were able to find their way back to safety. This is becausePokémon Gouses data from Open Street Map, which is improved by contributions from players.
Fan Escapes A Dense Forest Thanks To Pokémon Go Maps
Pokémon Go To The Rescue
ThePokémon Gomap shows how useful crowdsourced mapping data can be for navigation, especially in off-road or less traveled areas. This incident emphasizes that augmented reality gaming can provide practical benefits beyond just entertainment, making it a surprisingly helpful tool for navigation when regular map apps can’t keep up.
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Many online comments support usingPokémon Gowhen needing help as a pedestrian.User RealBug56said, “I always use PoGo when I’m traveling because it shows tourist attractions better than google maps.“Pokémon GOhas a real advantage when detailed pedestrian information is needed. Niantic has a big advantage thanks to how often users move around the world while walking, similar to how Google Maps uses drivers for their map system.
Our Take: Pokémon GO Is Better for Pedestrians Than Google Maps
Maybe Google Maps Needs An Update
From my experience, Google Maps doesn’t always have the detail to navigate less-frequented paths, especially when hiking. On the other hand,Pokémon Gois built for pedestrians because that’s its main demographic, so it offers a better view of trails and paths for its map. It shows places like Pokéstops and Gyms, but also how to get to these places, because other users have taken the trails there before.
The situation with Sigurdardottir highlights the need for a mapping app that caters specifically to walkers, either through a Google Maps update or otherwise. WhilePokémon Gois fun, it shouldn’t be the most useful tool for survival when hiking on trails. Luckily, it will keep being updated thanks to theSpotlight Hour Schedule for December, which encourages more players to walk trails.
