Inaccuracies and misplaced towns in Apple's new map software have provoked anger from iOS6 users.

September 22, 2012 at 09:20 GMT | By John Williams



In June Apple announced it would stop using Google Maps in favour of its own system, created using data from navigation firm TomTom and others, but inaccuracies and misplaced towns and cities in Apple's new map software have provoked anger from users.

The new map application is packaged with Apple's latest operating system, iOS6, which runs on the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. Previously, the system had an app running mapping software from Google. But users are now forced to use Apple's new maps once they upgrade or buy the latest iPhone or choose to update their current iPhone to iOS6/.

Among the user complaints regarding Apple's maps were:

  • Users have complained about the quality of satellite images in the new software (as pictured above)

  • Some towns appear to be missing, such as Stratford-upon-Avon and Solihull.

  • Others, like Uckfield in East Sussex, are in the wrong location.

  • Satellite images of various locations, particularly in Scotland, are obscured by cloud.

  • A search for Manchester United Football Club directs users to Sale United Football Club, a community team for ages five and above.

  • Users also reported missing local places, such as schools, or strange locations. Another screenshot showed a furniture museum that was apparently located in a river.
TomTom, which also licenses data to a range of other mobile manufacturers, defended its involvement. A spokesman said to the BBC:

The user experience is determined by adding additional features to the map application such as visual imagery. User experience fully depends on the choices these manufacturers make. We are confident about our map quality, as selling 65 million portable navigation devices across the world and more than 1.4m TomTom apps for iPhone in the past two years reaffirms this quality.

Apple is yet to comment on the complaints about the software, which comes already installed on the new iPhone. Maybe it's time iOS users started broadening their horizons when it comes to purchasing devices. The Windows Phone 8 map application will be incredible, offering offline navigation and more.

SOURCE: BBC

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  • About the Author
    John S. Williams

    John fell in love with the Microsoft mobile platform the moment he laid his eyes on the indomitable HTC HD2. Currently an IT project manager, John devotes the little time he can spare to WPSF. Current device » Nokia Lumia 800



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