Are there any maps apps that rip data from Google Maps? (lemmy.ml)

submitted 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago) by marcie@lemmy.ml to c/opensource@lemmy.ml

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I want to ungoogle myself as much as possible, but I've found that Google Maps is by far the best dataset for maps. I can search 'fast food' and it'll pull up anything related to that near me. I've tried things like OrganicMaps, and while it is blazing fast and very private in comparison to Google Maps, it unfortunately does not have the best information.

Are there any apps that are kind of like a proxy/nitter like frontend for Google Maps and it respects privacy? Are there any ways to just straight up rip data from Google Maps and pull it into another app?

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[-] 2xsaiko@discuss.tchncs.de 25 points 4 months ago

OSM data is generally on par or better than Google Maps data. The thing that’s lacking is the search engine.

[-] Deckweiss@lemmy.world 12 points 4 months ago

Except for a lot of POI missing.

[-] Mannivu@feddit.it 5 points 4 months ago

You can add them (Beginners' Guide)

[-] Deckweiss@lemmy.world 14 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago)

Situations in which I quickly need a reliable source of POI are not compatible with me taking the time to search for them in person and then add them to the maps systen I am trying to use right now.

So usually when I need something quick right now, I can not trust OSM.

When I am on a relaxed walk in the neighbourhood, I do add stuff and that makes it a bit better for everybody. But then, I obviously don't ever need to search for those.

[-] Mannivu@feddit.it 7 points 4 months ago

I understand what you mean and I agree that in those cases GMaps is more useful. But then, if no one adds anything OSM database will always be empty. So, if you don't find something, use GMaps, that's fine. But then, what you were looking for should be added to OSM (after real-life checks, since GMaps cannot be used as a source) to help future users.

[-] Deckweiss@lemmy.world -1 points 4 months ago

since GMaps cannot be used as a source

Dammn, you mean there is no "Church of big mommy milkers" in the next city?

[-] lemmylommy@lemmy.world 7 points 4 months ago

Don’t worry, googles AI and monetization will fix their better search eventually.

[-] meldrik@lemmy.wtf 2 points 4 months ago

Doesn’t most map providers get their data from OSM?

[-] hashferret@lemmy.world 8 points 4 months ago

Just to clarify: what are some of your specific complaints with bad information? I ask because I've been trying to fill in business hours and other info you might find on g maps for my city, and it's definitely challenging. My new pet peeve is just how many businesses don't bother listing their hours anywhere but proprietary services. No hours on their website and not even on their front doors.

[-] Zerush@lemmy.ml 6 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago)

At least for my city OSM is pretty complete with all business in it, A alternative is Here Maps, which also show all traffic and public transport lines, apart of the business sites. The only thing that no other map has is the Google Street View (Here at least has a 3D view), but I can live without this.

[-] GolfNovemberUniform@lemmy.ml 4 points 4 months ago

Even if there are no proxied frontends already (like LibreTube for YouTube), it's a great idea for FOSS developers. But afaik it requires a proprietary component from GMS to work so it may be hard to make a frontend for

[-] B0rax@feddit.de 4 points 4 months ago

The question is really, why develop something like this instead of improving something like open street map with that effort?

To be honest, the dataset In openstreetmap is great, what is missing is good search and easy apps that are on par with google or Apple.

[-] GolfNovemberUniform@lemmy.ml 1 points 4 months ago

Well in this particular case the user seems to lack openstreetmaps' data. For such cases a frontend would be nice to have

[-] B0rax@feddit.de 2 points 4 months ago

Mm I don’t know. He said that he did not have much luck searching for „fast food“ in an area. Which again, is because the search is lacking. The dataset should be there, but the search does not recognize which restaurants are fast food restaurants.

If he where to search for specific names of the locations, it would lead to the results