What makes Google's maps so great? It's the human touch
Skift Take
In addition to lots of humans getting dirty with the data, Google's mapping products have the advantage of over a decade of intensive use, correction, and improvements.
There's a simple answer: people.
For all of Google's reputation as a data-data-data company, the company's famed mapping product, which arrived on iOS early this morning, is good for a different reason: people. In reporting earlier this year about how Google builds its maps, I stumbled upon a massive operation requiring vast amounts of human labor. Basically, the company can acquire all kinds of data -- from governments, cars driving the streets, satellite imagery, private data stores -- but humans must compile all these things. We are the ones who understand the logic of the streets and can embed it into the locations on the map.
Up Next
Hotels
How Data Quality Issues Impact Global Hospitality Operations
There are wide discrepancies in data quality for hotel transactions across global regions, with the largest occurring in Asia-Pacific. Because hotels and agencies need to harness data quality to thrive, they must take a more nuanced regional approach to monitoring potential issues.
Sponsored 
Airlines
British Airways Boosts Loyalty Messaging to 'Reassure' Customers
After a turbulent few weeks, British Airways is attempting to regain control of the narrative. Improved customer messaging and additional status sweeteners should go some way to help.
Hotels
LA Wildfires: Climate Change, Extreme Weather, and the Impact on Hotels
The travel industry needs to get ready: The LA wildfires are a reminder that climate change isn’t just an environmental issue.
Airlines
Engine Shortage Forces Air New Zealand to Scrap Seoul Route, Again
With almost all of its new-generation aircraft impacted by maintenance or delivery snags, Air New Zealand has had a tougher time than most.
Online Travel
What Travel Brands Should Know About China's RedNote
As overseas travel rebounds and Chinese consumers increasingly seek out genuine travel tips and personalized recommendations, brands looking to engage this influential audience must understand what makes RedNote a powerful tool for modern travel marketing.