Thanks to technology, moving around is just an app away. Today, most of us are completely dependent on these navigation apps to travel anywhere, be it from state to state or within a city. These apps give real-time information about traffic, fastest routes, traffic signals, landmarks, etc. Though there may be preferences when it comes to picking a navigation app, ride-hailing service providers completely rely on their comprehensive navigation app as their savior for routes, metrics, billing, voice assistance, strategizing pick up, etc.

Though there is a myriad of navigation apps for ride-hailing services, dominating the market are Google Maps and Apple Maps in terms of performance, speed, and precision, but, choosing the one for your ride-hailing business model becomes a tad bit tricky.

This blog will help you determine the best app for your business by comparing the most competent features of the two navigation app giants we have at our disposal today.

Image Source: AndroidAuthority.com

Let us consider Google Maps first.

• It offers satellite imagery, aerial photography, 360-degree panoramic views, real-time traffic conditions, street images, and route planning for commute by walk, bicycle, car, etc.
• Google Maps uses Geospatial data visualization technology and real-time traffic analysis software programs
• Comprehensively covers the maps of 266 countries and regions with full driving directions already provided for 253
• Installation of the app is free for both Android as well as iOS devices with current location pinning option
• Uses data from Google Earth & combines it with information gathered by users all over the world to provide the most accurate traffic information.
• The app is regularly updated and has a Google Assistant feature, and quick admittance to input address
• There is rideshare integration with Uber and Lyft and even supports Lime for bike rides. It provides car & bike directions very efficiently and facilitates the sharing of rides
• Also provides directions for walking, public transit, and wheelchair accessible areas.
• Provides the easiest view to show gas station prices
• Google Maps lets you add more than one stop to your trip
• Features indoor maps for Airports, malls & museums and allows zooming on the target location
• 3D display of buildings & other structures as the standard layout with the permission to change the viewing angle using two fingers. When satellite overlay is applied, all are shown in 2D
• The street view helps in understanding the navigational dynamics, street signs, landmarks, one-way lanes, etc.
• Overlays like transit, satellite & bicycle can be made optional to reduce the information overload
• Estimated time (duration) to complete the ride can be viewed
• It lacks in showing weather-related data and an option to manually report any traffic-related issues which are vital during rainy days and peak hours
• Peak hour traffic updates and alternate route suggestions are not available in real-time
• It does not provide offline navigational services or updates
• Has a user-friendly interface that has better map settings options like explore, driving, transit, satellite, terrain, traffic, and 3D models of buildings

Image Source: Medium.com

Now, let us take into consideration Apple Maps for iPhone users.

• It can be installed only on iOS devices and is the default navigational app for map system of iOS, macOS, and watchOS
• It has simple features like directions and estimated time of arrival at the destination for automobile, pedestrian, and public transportation navigation
• It provided an overlay reliability feature
• The app is regularly updated
• Offers full Siri integration for a completely hands-free experience
• There is accurate reporting of real-time delays caused by road work or accidents
• There is rideshare integration with Uber and Lyft.
• App notifies of exceeding the speed limit for safety purpose
• Lane guidance feature also present
• Also provides directions for walking, public transit, and wheelchair accessible areas.
• Provides the easiest view to show gas station prices
• Lets you add more than one stop to your trip
• Features indoor maps for Airports & shopping centers
• Provides rich 3D renderings for major cities across London, Paris, Tokyo, and Sydney
• Currently covers 353 cities all over the world
• 3D views still need improvement
• Bicycle navigation not included
• Does not support Street view
• Main focus is on urban areas rather than countries as a whole
• Does not provide police related reports like speed traps & cameras

To sum it up, Google Maps has access to a large number of devices and had a good head start over Apple Maps. Google has made huge investments in their maps division with the addition of a gamut of new innovative features. Features like real-time location sharing, two-wheeler mode, nearby places of interest based on your activity, etc. set them apart from their operational nemesis, Apple Maps.

Google Maps holds a strategic advantage due to the possibility of close coupling with Google search. This enriches the Map with richer web info and thereby makes it the go-to navigation and maps specialist for running your Uber-like ride-hailing services without roadblocks.