While Garmin GPS is still the “gold standard”, there is increasing use of Google Maps on mobile phones for GPS services. It is not commonly known that Google Maps can also be used to design customized routes that can be loaded on mobile phones to provide spoken turn by turn driving instructions. As compared to Garmin, there are some differences and certain limitations on how Google Maps handle customized routes.
On 18th May 2024, 19 UMN members participated in a workshop on the use of Google Maps as a tool for planning custom routes for our tours. Participants learned the procedure for route planning, and on how to use it on a mobile phone with turn-by-turn navigations instructions. The Workshop ended with participants designing a short route around the neighbourhood, transferring it to their mobile phones, and driving the route following Google’s turn by turn instructions.
I hope workshop participants now have a better appreciation of how Google Maps can be used for custom route planning, together with its idiosyncrasies and limitations. I would welcome participant views on the pros and cons of using Google Maps for route planning so others can benefit from their experience.
Muffins provided by Aydin were very much appreciated by all!
David Waung
