[te_chris]

Apple has not "nearly matched" google, not at all. Maybe in the US they have, but in New Zealand, where google is as good as any of the local street maps/directories, if not better normally, the new ios maps is atrocious. The places are now even worse too, because they're relying on Yelp, who don't have a presence here at all.

[trips2]

Maybe he works for Apple, they're his main client or owns lots of stock or something.

The Apple worship is truly mind-boggling.

OpenStreetMap is where the crucial data comes from. And if I'm not mistaken it's submitted by volunteers.

[taligent]

Yep. You don't like my opinion so clearly I must be working for Apple or own stock. In fact it is neither.

And at no point did I say that OSM wasn't responsible for the map data. Only that Apple added other pieces from other companies.

[trips2]

No, no, no. No problem with your opinion. You can love Apple if you want. I just struggle to understand how you and others can see Apple in the light that you do, and be blinded to all else. I mean, the value to me is the data and the fact it's online. The database itself. I have my own systems for manipulating the data the way I want it (I would think most HN nerds would have similar skills, but maybe not). That's just me. Others seem to love things because they are produced by some popular company. And for no other reason. I just can't really understand it. These are computers produced in Chinese factories. Getting cheaper everyday. Data can be visualised in myriad ways.

Call it like you see it. Minds may differ.

[rimantas]

You won't be able to understand many things if your preferred method is to ignore facts that would make them understandable.

[overcyn]

So much condescension...

[taligent]

Actually Google should be the same as local street directories since that is where they get there data from. I live in Australia (hi, neighbour) and it is Sensis (Yellow/White Pages) who supply data to Google.

As for quality of maps it is about 80% as good as Google and has been getting noticeably better over time.

[Tichy]

I was under the impression that Google has their own places product, so I suspect they combine several sources.

[te_chris]

AFAIK they maintain that by buying a lot of commercial place data.

[stromstad]

Haven't the street view cars been down under yet?