How to use Google Maps to avoid getting lost.

With just a few simple steps on the Google Maps app, users can easily find the address they need to go to. However, in some cases, the app has malfunctioned, leading to incorrect directions. This situation can be due to several reasons listed below.

Places with identical names

This is a common situation people encounter when searching for directions on Google Maps. For example, Tran Phu Street might be a place name in Ha Dong District, Hanoi , while Hoan Kiem District also has a street named Tran Phu. Furthermore, confusion can also occur with school names, restaurant names (especially for restaurants and eateries with multiple branches), etc.

When searching on a map, Google Maps often includes a smaller line below that provides more specific details about the address, such as the district and city name. Users need to clearly identify which ward and district the location they want to go to in order to avoid confusion between two places with similar names.

The calculations were incorrect compared to reality.

When you search for a location and click on directions, Google Maps will offer several possible routes. The software prioritizes the route with the shortest estimated travel time (ETA) by default.

However, this calculation is difficult to be accurate in Vietnam because data on travel speed and road conditions are not updated accurately. Sometimes, the software will choose shortcuts or routes that are too small to help users save time, even though the reality may be the opposite.

Sometimes Google Maps can make incorrect calculations compared to reality.

In unfamiliar places with strange terrain, it's best for users to travel via major roads. Generally, data on major roads, such as traffic conditions and repairs, is updated more quickly and accurately.

The data was updated at the wrong time.

Road data in Vietnam is sometimes updated too late or too early (according to the plan but not actually implemented). When searching for routes through unfamiliar areas, users should enable satellite view to check the actual condition of the roads instead of just viewing in minimalist mode.

However, satellite imagery in Vietnam updates more slowly than in developed countries. Typically, images can be several months behind reality. Therefore, users need to compare information from multiple sources to determine the route before starting.

How to use Google Maps effectively and avoid getting lost.

When determining a route from point A to point B, users need to specify their mode of transportation: by car, motorbike, or... on foot. For each mode of transport, Google has enough data to determine the most suitable route. For example, highways are only accessible by car, while narrow, unpaved roads are only accessible by motorbike.

If you incorrectly identify the mode of transportation, for example, if you're riding a motorbike but identify the mode of transportation as a car, it's perfectly normal for Google Maps to direct you onto a highway.

However, Google Maps can't be 100% accurate; there will be instances where roads change or unexpected events occur that Google hasn't yet updated. Furthermore, it's possible that Google Maps data is inaccurate (though this is rare). Therefore, while relying on Google Maps for directions, you must also always pay attention to roads and traffic signs.

THANH TÙNG (Compiled)

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