Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Google Maps has introduced incident reporting features, previously a hallmark of Waze, following Google’s acquisition of the navigation app in 2013. This integration allows Google Maps users to view real-time reports on road closures, construction, speed cameras, and police presence which data primarily sourced from Waze’s active user base.
In addition to viewing reports, Google Maps users can now contribute by confirming road conditions through prompts in the app.
The move is part of Google’s broader strategy to merge strengths from both platforms, announced in July. While the two apps remain independent, Google aims to leverage Waze’s community-driven approach, which has long set it apart for real-time road incident reporting.
A Reddit user recently shared a screenshot of the “Police reported ahead” notification on Google Maps, and showcasing a feature that allows users to confirm or update its relevance
The notification alerts drivers to the presence of road conditions at a specific location ahead. Users then able to update the report by confirming whether the conditions are still affect the location, ensuring the information remains accurate and relevant.
According to The Verge, project group manager at Google, Can Comertoglu emphasized that while the Waze and Maps teams have been unified, the apps will continue to operate separately to maintain their unique appeal. “Waze contributors favor certain features over Google Maps, and vice versa,” Comertoglu said.
Founded in 2009, Waze pioneered crowdsourced navigation, enabling drivers to report road conditions in real-time. With over 140 million active users, known as “Wazers,” the app has built a loyal community that not only flags incidents but also updates maps, tests beta features, and provides translations.
Waze’s extensive data is also utilized by partners, including city governments, transportation authorities, and emergency responders, to improve traffic efficiency and save lives.
This integration marks a significant step for Google Maps, enhancing its capabilities with Waze’s strengths while preserving the unique features that have made both apps indispensable to drivers worldwide.
(Raidi/Agung)
