Mapcodes: launching my new website

[Foxhound5366]

Wow, lots of feedback happening here. What's wrong, guys? Do you just not have the time to test some of this stuff, or is there still a 'WTF?' aspect to what I'm trying to do? Be honest, I'm keen to know

It's worth pointing out that I've lifted all the South African restrictions on my site, so now you can generate and decode mapcodes from anywhere in the world, and use the tools internationally as well.

TLDR: Check out the country searchbox here, ooooh: https://www.overhere.co.za/get-a-mapcode/

 

[Johnatan56]

Wow, lots of feedback happening here. What's wrong, guys? Do you just not have the time to test some of this stuff, or is there still a 'WTF?' aspect to what I'm trying to do? Be honest, I'm keen to know

It's worth pointing out that I've lifted all the South African restrictions on my site, so now you can generate and decode mapcodes from anywhere in the world, and use the tools internationally as well.

TLDR: Check out the country searchbox here, ooooh: https://www.overhere.co.za/get-a-mapcode/

A vast majority of us don't need to use it, so it's kinda weird asking for feedback.
I think we all pretty much just search for an address on Google Maps, Waze or Apple's one and hit go.

Map codes are great if you need to store, for e.g. delivery systems, but for the average person, it really doesn't matter and it's easier to remember e.g. our home address as we already know it, and easier to give that out to others. E.g. I just randomly dropped a pin, here is the code:
ZAF 8H.CR
Do you even know what city that is in? If I told you CT, could you narrow it down? If I said at Church Street near Adderley, most people who've been in town know where it is. You'd also know how to generally get there based on e.g. street signs.

You're just asking for feedback from the wrong user group.

In terms of get map code, you should also integrate being able to type an address in rather than having to drag with a pin, would make it a lot quicker than constant zooming in until you get it about right.

This is kinda a task of trying to reinvent the wheel when for most it really doesn't change anything. No insult intended, it's just that map codes are kind of a niche problem.

 

[Foxhound5366]

A vast majority of us don't need to use it, so it's kinda weird asking for feedback.
I think we all pretty much just search for an address on Google Maps, Waze or Apple's one and hit go.

Map codes are great if you need to store, for e.g. delivery systems, but for the average person, it really doesn't matter and it's easier to remember e.g. our home address as we already know it, and easier to give that out to others. E.g. I just randomly dropped a pin, here is the code:
ZAF 8H.CR
Do you even know what city that is in? If I told you CT, could you narrow it down? If I said at Church Street near Adderley, most people who've been in town know where it is.

You're just asking for feedback from the wrong user group.

In terms of get map code, you should also integrate being able to type an address in rather than having to drag with a pin, would make it a lot quicker than constant zooming in until you get it about right.

This is kinda a task of trying to reinvent the wheel when for most it really doesn't change anything. No insult intended, it's just that map codes are kind of a niche problem.

So, 4 digits for a precise address. And you're telling me that's not better for every single human to use than standard physical addresses in terms of convenience (less to write down) and accuracy (gets you exactly where you want)? I respect your point of view, I just don't understand it. Every physical address is a "code", whether you like it or not, and these days everybody puts those codes into devices to interpret them. Surely a shorter and more accurate code will always be better, particularly when there is a code for places without physical addresses (the majority of the world exists outside of street networks)?

 

[Johnatan56]

So, 4 digits for a precise address. And you're telling me that's not better for every single human to use than standard physical addresses in terms of convenience (less to write down) and accuracy (gets you exactly where you want)? I respect your point of view, I just don't understand it. Every physical address is a "code", whether you like it or not, and these days everybody puts those codes into devices to interpret them. Surely a shorter and more accurate code will always be better, particularly when there is a code for places without physical addresses (the majority of the world exists outside of street networks)?

You're trying to solve a problem most don't have. Try saying ZAF 4T.QY on the phone versus 20 Adderley Street Cape Town. I quoted one letter off, completely different location, versus misspelling Adderley as Adderly will probably be fine for most while still being about the same speed (plus Road vs Street).

If it's in an email, no one cares that it's a couple of words, we'll be copy pasting it anyways.

For when you're actually driving or walking, looking at street signs, having the name, is easier. Unless we're suddenly going to change every single sign/convention we already have?


As said, for use cases like delivery people, map codes are great, for day to day use for most of us who don't really use GPS, it doesn't matter. For the occasional going to a friend's place, they probably linked the place via google maps already, so no need to care about the map code.

I'm just saying why you don't really have much feedback, not that map codes are useless. They're just a niche thing for now.

 

[Foxhound5366]

Johnatan56, I think you need to stop being so contrary. Here are some examples for you...

- You go deep into Kirstenbosch gardens and you want to tell someone where to meet you inside. Is there a physical address for that plant you're at?
- You want to guide somebody a specific gate at a concert you're at, but all the signage stopped a long time ago. Do you have a physical address for that?
- You go to China and can't even type the long physical addresses into the satnav you rented because you don't speak Chinese. If only there were a shorter code in characters you understand?
- You want to send an accurate physical address via Twitter, but it is more than 280 characters.

Starting to see more common uses?

Physical addresses are ridiculously inaccurate, if they even exist at all (and most of the time they do not).

Imagine if all street signs had Mapcodes printed on the back of them - you could at least tell someone exactly where you are, even if that happens to be on the side of a long highway with no data on your phone and no street numbers in sight (a very common occurrence for people breaking down).

 

[Johnatan56]

Johnatan56, I think you need to stop being so contrary. Here are some examples for you...

- You go deep into Kirstenbosch gardens and you want to tell someone where to meet you inside. Is there a physical address for that plant you're at?
- You want to guide somebody a specific gate at a concert you're at, but all the signage stopped a long time ago. Do you have a physical address for that?
- You go to China and can't even type the long physical addresses into the satnav you rented because you don't speak Chinese. If only there were a shorter code in characters you understand?
- You want to send an accurate physical address via Twitter, but it is more than 280 characters.

Starting to see more common uses?

Physical addresses are ridiculously inaccurate, if they even exist at all (and most of the time they do not).

Imagine if all street signs had Mapcodes printed on the back of them - you could at least tell someone exactly where you are, even if that happens to be on the side of a long highway with no data on your phone and no street numbers in sight (a very common occurrence for people breaking down).

How often do you do those 4 things? I am saying that's why you're not getting feedback. I think we're talking past each other here.

- Kirstenbosh one, could be, don't think I've ever done that where I don't meet someone at a path entrance. Most shortcodes would be kind of useless if they don't know what path to take and Google Maps works with most of the paths.
- Don't think I've ever had that? Would usually just say I am at a stand or something, easier for people to find as they can see it.
- Never been to China, also not sure why I'd be typing anything in as I'd use the find current location?
- I don't use Twitter and use the share short link provided by Google Maps.

I am saying why people are not using your site and therefore you are not getting feedback, not that short codes are useless.

 

[_kabal_]

And I’ll say it again, if we wanted/needed to use a short code, we would just use the one that is natively built into google maps, which most of us have and use eg 5M9Q+W5

 

[Foxhound5366]

How often do you do those 4 things? I am saying that's why you're not getting feedback. I think we're talking past each other here.

- Kirstenbosh one, could be, don't think I've ever done that where I don't meet someone at a path entrance. Most shortcodes would be kind of useless if they don't know what path to take and Google Maps works with most of the paths.
- Don't think I've ever had that? Would usually just say I am at a stand or something, easier for people to find as they can see it.
- Never been to China, also not sure why I'd be typing anything in as I'd use the find current location?
- I don't use Twitter and use the share short link provided by Google Maps.

I am saying why people are not using your site and therefore you are not getting feedback, not that short codes are useless.

People aren't using my site coz hardly anybody knows what Mapcodes are, so it has a big publicity hurdle to overcome. That's something I'm working on as well, and for now I'm happy to keep working on it while it is in a teething phase.

Good to see you've acknowledged that shortcodes have their uses That's the spirit. We'll keep building on that.

Next time you have somebody who can't find you, just remember Mapcodes and let me know how it goes Remember: six digits or it doesn't count.

 

[Foxhound5366]

And I’ll say it again, if we wanted/needed to use a short code, we would just use the one that is natively built into google maps, which most of us have and use eg 5M9Q+W5

Don't you find that terrible? They're called Open Location Codes, and personally I find the plus to be really off-putting. I'm curious, do you use Open Location Codes, and in what situations?

 

[Milano]

To generate a code do I have to keep dragging the marker? Is there another way?

 

[Foxhound5366]

To generate a code do I have to keep dragging the marker? Is there another way?

You can use the search box at the top of the map, search for a nearby address or POI then fine-tune after the map redraws. Or you can look under Tools for the Real-Time Mapcode generator, and that allows you to walk around in the real world and record each location of interest with its Mapcode (and you can then copy and paste the list for future reference / sharing).

On the "Get a Mapcode" page, you can also use the "find my location" button on the map to use your device's GPS location.

Finally, once you've got a Mapcode, you'll see it generates a personal URL to use that Mapcode that you can share with people so it's just a one-click thing.

 

[Milano]

You can use the search box at the top of the map, search for a nearby address or POI then fine-tune after the map redraws. Or you can look under Tools for the Real-Time Mapcode generator, and that allows you to walk around in the real world and record each location of interest with its Mapcode (and you can then copy and paste the list for future reference / sharing).

On the "Get a Mapcode" page, you can also use the "find my location" button on the map to use your device's GPS location.

Finally, once you've got a Mapcode, you'll see it generates a personal URL to use that Mapcode that you can share with people so it's just a one-click thing.

If you zoom your way to a place without dragging the marker, can you still mark it?

 

[Foxhound5366]

If you zoom your way to a place without dragging the marker, can you still mark it?

Yes. Click on the "re-centre marker" button on the right side of the map. It will centre the marker in view and you can then place it exactly where you want.

This makes me think I need to work on better UI instructions *grins*

 

[Milano]

Yes. Click on the "re-centre marker" button on the right side of the map. It will centre the market and you can then place it exactly where you want.

This makes me think I need to work on better UI instructions *grins*

Yes would prefer if the marker just 'followed' me from the get go. Or could be more intuitive if re-center was changed to 'place marker' or an additional button was added. I assumed recenter would return me to original coordinates.

 

[Foxhound5366]

Yes would prefer if the marker just 'followed' me from the get go. Or could be more intuitive if re-center was changed to 'place marker' or an additional button was added. I assumed recenter would return me to original coordinates.

Ok, I'll change name to Place Marker, thanks! I did have the marker following automatically as you zoomed in or out, but then that caused a problem when you fine-tune location and you zoom and the marker changes position again. I could have it only following at the higher zoom levels and then staying behind at the finer zooms, but I'm worried it will get confusing if it feels like it's not consistent.

 

[Foxhound5366]

Yes would prefer if the marker just 'followed' me from the get go. Or could be more intuitive if re-center was changed to 'place marker' or an additional button was added. I assumed recenter would return me to original coordinates.

Hi Milano, updated to 'Place Marker' A bit more intuitive, I agree!


To anybody without the time to check out the Off-Road Navigator feature, here's a screenshot I took over the weekend:

That's pretty cool, innit? The orange 'cookie crumbs' get dropped at a rate of 1 every three seconds, just to give people a point of reference to get their bearings with (between their point of origin and destination).

It's the sort of thing I'm discovering along the way with my site, and now I'm wondering if I allowed people to export and share their cookie crumb trails, in which cases that'd be useful. Guided tours, route discovery, just out of interest after a walk ... I guess it might be handy?

 

[Thor]

Reminds me of What3words

 

[Foxhound5366]

Reminds me of What3words

Yup, that's why I listed them in a poll. Except there are some key differences:
1) In terms of number of characters, what3words are a lot longer (3 words).
2) We all know ABC, but "foggy.green.radio" might still be open to misinterpretation by non-English speakers or telephonically.
3) You have to purchase a what3words API, whereas the Mapcode libraries are open-source and freely-available for download (I link to them from my website's About page).

 

[Foxhound5366]

So after giving 'ease of use' a lot of thought, I just launched updates to two of my site's main pages today:
1) Get a better address (best for PC): https://www.overhere.co.za/get-a-mapcode/
2) Share my location (use this on your phone): https://www.overhere.co.za/live/

The two biggest improvements:
1) Instead of forcing users to select their mapcode region upfront (which would feel unfamiliar to new users), I'm rather displaying all possible mapcodes for the same location and letting users' choose the best one for them.
2) I've improved the 'share' link functionality to now integrate into the 'share' pane on cellphones via the 'navigator.share' API (it still defaults to 'Copy' on PCs) ... basically it's a LOT easier to share direct URLs on phones now.

What do you think? Headed in the right direction?

 

[Foxhound5366]

Happy Easter errybody

Inbetween eating chocolate, I threw some hours into upgrading my site's homepage to something a bit more visual (especially for phones - mobile screenshot below): www.overhere.co.za


Yes yes, not the most cutting-edge design out there, but it's a bit easier to get a sense of what's on the site right?