Apple Testing Maps Notifications to Inform Users of Fixed Problems

apple_maps_report_push1Apple seems to be testing a new notification feature in its Maps application, based on a report and screenshots captured by a MacRumors reader.

The user reported an error to Apple in the Maps app on April 6 and was given an option to receive a notification when the issue was resolved, with Apple sending a push notification on April 8 indicating the problem had been fixed.

It appears that the feature is still in testing at this point and it is unclear when it might be made available to all users. The initial user who first spotted the feature says that the option has only appeared intermittently, and at least two MacRumors forum users were able to confirm that they had seen it as well. MacRumors has been unable to reproduce it.

While Apple has allowed users to report errors since Maps first debuted in September of 2012, the company has not previously provided notifications that let users know when a problem has been fixed. Notably, Google currently includes support for a similar feature in its mapping service, notifying users via email about the progress of a reported problem or suggested edit.

News of the notification feature comes as Apple continues to work hard on improving its mapping app after facing significant criticism over data inaccuracies when the app first launched alongside iOS 6. Apple CEO Tim Cook publicly apologized for Maps after the problematic launch, stating that the company was "extremely sorry" for the frustration it had caused, promising to work "non stop" until Maps was improved.

Maps notifications would allow users to know that Apple is actively listening to reports and working diligently on fixing errors. Apple's mapping application has been notable for providing potentially dangerous information at times, as it has directed drivers in Alaska onto an airport taxiway used by the Fairbanks International Airport and directed motorists in Victoria, Australia to the middle of the wilderness.

Screenshots showing the correction notification:

apple_maps_push222
Push notification and notice that Maps data has been corrected

Apple has hired dozens of "ground truth" experts around the world to improve the quality of its mapping service and acquired a number of mapping apps throughout the past year, including HopStop, Locationary, BroadMap, and Embark. It is also likely that Apple features major improvements to the Maps app in iOS 8, such as adding transit directions for the first time and enhancing points of interest.

Thanks Michael

Top Rated Comments

macs4nw Avatar
120 months ago
Getting better all the time…..let's see what improvements and additions iOS8 brings to Maps.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
KalanHowse Avatar
120 months ago
Citation required for proof. Otherwise it's mere guesswork.

Citation for an opinion? haha
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sixrom Avatar
120 months ago
This is perfect. It'll be way better than Google Maps' email notification.

Citation required for proof. Otherwise it's mere guesswork.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Danindub Avatar
120 months ago
I'm in Ireland, I've sent number of correction to Apple over the last couple of years, particularly about area where I live none of them got corrected or even acknowledged.

I did the same with Google maps - they fixed all of them within 24 hours, and sent me info about this. Very impressed, Apple could learn thing or two from them.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
robjulo Avatar
120 months ago
How about fixing the UI so that I can scroll the map while navigating instead of having to hit overview. All it does now is some bizarre rotation if you try to move the map during navigation.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dallardice Avatar
120 months ago
Does this mean they will actually start to make changes? Apple Maps still has a McDonalds at the end of my road. It's actually half a mile away. I told them the first day I had access to Apple Maps as a developer. There are numerous changes I've reported more than once that have still not been made.

I guess we don't have "ground truth" experts in the UK. One walk down one of London's primary shopping streets would fix most of the errors I've reported.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)