I’ve been using Waze since the end of July and while it’s a good idea I’m losing the will to carry on, and here’s why:
Reliability
Since joining, almost every time I actually have the time to edit maps the map editor is down. This was initially due to the Amazon crash which stopped me editing anything for the first 5 days of my week off. It’s down again as I type. Updates are taking far, far too long to go live making testing anything you’ve actually done a very lengthy process.
Roundabouts
There is absolutely no consistence or logic to roundabouts. The ones I’m referring to all look find on the map, with all exits and entries showing the correct in/out paths, yet out on the road (even though the map display shows the correct route) the voice and the action icon shows completely different. Some roundabouts will tell me to turn left, go straight or turn right, while others will tell me to take the nth exit. Some will tell me to turn left, when it’s straight on or right. There’s no rhyme or reason to which one does which. I was about to delete and recreate the local roundabouts to see if it makes a difference, but am unable to do so due to editor problems.
False reports
I’m sure people are using Waze when travelling by bus, giving false speed and traffic reports. I’ve also noticed GPS tracks where someone is obviously on a train.
Base maps (UK)
These are a complete mess. I know it’s just starting out but they really are all over the place. Again, a total lack of consistency throughout. Major examples are one way sections of road crossing over dual carriageways, overlaid roads where the map editor isn’t merging new entries correctly, etc.
Rogue editors
I had to spend over half an hour during the last spell I had editing the maps, due to an editor who completely messed up one junction, meaning it was impossible to be routed the correct paths, and he locked the roads making editing awkward. He even had carriageway ramps for normal left turns!
I know it’s still developing, but the task ahead is monumental! I’m now looking for a good reason to keep using it because I feel like I’m going nowhere.
